Test Code MEPNL Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel, PCR, CSF

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