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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.

Infectious

Additional Codes

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

Specimen and Container/Tube

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Sterile container

Specimen Handling and Transport Instructions

See UCMC collection instructions

 

Rejection Criteria

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.

Reference Values

Negative

Critical Values

If positive, Microbiology lab will notify physician

All positive  culture

 

 

 

 

All

Turnaround Time

Specimen Minimum Volume

1 mL

Day(s) Performed

24/7

CPT Codes

87483

Volume

Preferred Volume

1 mL

Specimen Minimum Volume

1 mL

Pediatric Volume

1 mL

Collection Instructions

Offsite Collection Instructions

See UCMC Collection Instructions

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

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

Test Components

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

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

Methodology

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.

Last Reviewed Date

08/16/2022

Additional Information

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.