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Test Code MEPNL Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel, PCR, CSF

Important Note

Bacterial culture and Gram stain must always be ordered concurrently, using order code SFC “Spinal Fluid Culture”.

This test is not appropriate for the diagnosis of infections associated with CNS hardware/shunt infections.  For these cases, please order SFC “Spinal Fluid Culture” and other tests as appropriate. 

This panel does not test for TB or other mycobacteria, or for fungi other than Cryptococcus, so separate tests for AFB and/or fungal culture must be ordered if required.  

Testing for cell count, protein, and glucose must still be ordered separately.

Biohazard Infectious

Additional Codes

Bacterial culture and Gram stain must always be ordered concurrently, using order code SFC “Spinal Fluid Culture”.

 

Specimen Type

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Container/Tube

Sterile container

Offsite Collection Instructions

See UCMC Collection Instructions

Turnaround Time

Testing is performed 24/7. Results will be available
within 3 hours of receipt in Clinical Microbiology
Laboratory.

Test Includes

This panel detects multiple viral, bacterial, and fungal
pathogens by PCR from a single
CSF specimen with a rapid turnaround
time. 

 

The targets detected by the ME Panel include: 

Bacterial: E. coli K1 serotype,
S.
agalactiae, L. monocytogenes, N. meningitidis,
S.
pneumoniae, H. influenza

Viral:  CMV, enterovirus,
HHV-6,
HSV-1, HSV-2,
human parechovirus, VZV

Yeast:  Cryptococcus
neoformans/gattii

Preferred Volume

1 mL

UCMC Collection Instructions

Specimen Source: CSF, DOES
NOT INCLUDE CSF shunt,
ventricular fluid.
Specimen Collection: Skin decontamination with Chloraprep.
Specimen Transport: Immediate, no refrigeration.
 

See

Microbiology Specimen Collection:

  • See category “CSF”, Table 1 BACTERIOLOGY,
    CHLAMYDIA, MYCOLOGY, MYCOBACTERIOLOGY
    (AFB), VIROLOGY

Additional Information

Rejection criteria:  CSF shunt,
ventricular fluid

 

Samples that test positive for Cryptococcus will
automatically have an order added for Cryptococcal Ag by Latex
(order code CRYP).

Test Limitations

The detection of microbial DNA or
RNA is dependent upon proper
sample collection, handling, transportation, storage, and
preparation. There is a risk of false-negative results due to
the
presence of strains with sequence variability or genetic
rearrangements in the target regions of the assays. This test
is
not recommended as a test of cure. The presence of blood in the
sample may interfere with testing.

Critical Results

If positive, Microbiology lab will notify physician

Specimen Minimum Volume

1 mL

DAY(S) AND TIME(S) PERFORMED

24/7

CPT

87483

Method Name

The FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis panel is a multiplex
PCR
test capable of qualitative detecting DNA
or RNA of 14
pathogens (bacteria, yeast, and viruses) from a single CSF
specimen.

Reference Values

Negative