N. meningitidis can be identified using Kovac's oxidase test and carbohydrate utilization. If the oxidase test is positive, carbohydrate utilization testing should be performed. If the carbohydrate utilization test indicates that the isolate may be N. meningitidis, serological tests to identify the serogroup should be performed. [1]

The oxidase test determines the presence of cytochrome oxidase. Kovac's oxidase reagent, tetramethyl-p-phenylenediamine dihydrochloride, is turned into a dark-blue compound by organisms containing cytochrome c as part of their respiratory chain. This test aids in the recognition of N. meningitidis, but other members of the genus Neisseria, as well as unrelated bacterial species, may also give a positive reaction.