CDOS

MENINGITIS ENCEPHALITIS PATHOGENS PANEL, NAAT

Test Code: LAB24329

Test Link (Copy)

Synonym

Meningitis Encephalitis CSF Panel; ME CSF,PCR; Cerebrospinal Fluid; CSF; Meningitis; Encephalitis CSF Panel; Escherichia coli; Haemophilus influenzae; Listeria monocytogenes; Neisseria meningitidis; Meningococcus; Streptococcus agalactiae; Group B Strep; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Pneumococcus; Cytomegalovirus; CMV; Enterovirus; EV; Herpes simplex virus 1; Herpes simplex virus 2; HSV; Human herpesvirus 6; HHV6; Human Parechovirus; HPeV; Varicella-zoster virus; VZV; Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii

Specimen Type

CSF collected via lumbar puncture

Specimen Container

Sterile tube or container

Preferred Volume

2 mL if a bacterial culture is also ordered (collect additional 3 mL of fluid if AFB culture and an additional 3 mL if fungal culture also requested)

Minimum Collection Volume

0.25 mL for PCR testing only (additional fluid required for culture)

Patient Prep

Disinfect puncture site with antiseptic solution and alcohol

Collection Procedure

Sequentially collect CSF into sterile tubes. Tube number 2 should be submitted for PCR and bacterial culture.

Limitations

This test is not intended for use with CSF collected from indwelling medical devices (e.g., CSF shunts). Caution should also be exercised during specimen collection and testing to prevent contamination leading to false positive results.

Unacceptable Conditions

CSF specimens should not be centrifuged before testing.

Temperature

Ambient (room temperature) or refrigerated

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction

Stability

Room Temp 1 day Refrigerated 1 week Frozen (-20 °C) Unacceptable Frozen (-70 °C) 1 week

Schedule

Daily, all shifts

Turn Around Time

2-6 hours

Place of Service

Sacred Heart Medical Center

Department

Microbiology

Additional Information

This assay is capable of simultaneous detection and identification of multiple bacterial, viral, and yeast nucleic acids directly from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens obtained via lumbar puncture from individuals with signs and/or symptoms of meningitis and/or encephalitis. The panel is indicated as an aid in the diagnosis of specific agents of meningitis and/or encephalitis and results are meant to be used in conjunction with other clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory data. Not all agents of CNS infection are detected by this test.

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