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HelpMeningitis/Encephalitis Panel PCR
eD-H Order Code
LAB4131
Specimen Collection Information
| Specimen | Minimum Test Volume | Container | Special Handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | 1.0 ML |
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained via lumbar puncture.
Shunt specimens are not acceptable.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient, room temperature (approximately 15-25°C), for up to one day.
Refrigerated (approximately 2-8°C) for up to seven days.
Specimen Stability
24 hours, ambient
7 days, refrigerated
Assay Information
Important limitations:
-This test should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory data and the patient’s clinical presentation.
-If there is a strong clinical suspicion for HSV encephalitis, a single negative test does not rule this entity out.
-The ME Panel is not as sensitive as the cryptococcal antigen test for the diagnosis of cryptococcal meningitis.
-HHV-6 is chromosomally integrated into the DNA of 1-2% of the human population. Detection does not equal disease.
-This assay does NOT test for neurotropic arbovirus infection. Arboviruses potentially found in the northeastern USA include West Nile virus, Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus, Powassan virus, and Jamestown Canyon virus. If these pathogens are suspected clinically, please contact Infectious Disease for guidance around optimal test ordering.
| Assay | Result Type |
|---|---|
| Meningitis Panel Source | Alpha |
| Meningitis Panel PCR | Alpha |
| Escherichia coli K1 | Alpha |
| Haemophilus influenzae | Alpha |
| Listeria monocytogenes | Alpha |
| Neisseria meningitidis | Alpha |
| Streptococcus agalactiae | Alpha |
| Streptococcus pneumoniae | Alpha |
| Cytomegalovirus (CMV) | Alpha |
| Enterovirus | Alpha |
| Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) | Alpha |
| Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) | Alpha |
| Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) | Alpha |
| Human parechovirus | Alpha |
| Varicella zoster virus (VZV) | Alpha |
| Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii | Alpha |
Interpretive Data
| Assay Display | Interpretive Data |
|---|---|
| Meningitis Panel PCR | Meningitis Panels are performed on the FilmArray using multiplexed PCR nucleic acid detection. Negative results do not preclude infection and should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis treatment or other management decisions. |
An Emperic Therapy Guide for adult patients is available to aid in selecting optimal therapy for pathogens detected by this assay.
Reference Ranges / Critical Values
| Assay | Gender | Age Range | Normal Range | Critical Values | Units |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Cytomegalovirus (CMV) | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Enterovirus | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Escherichia coli K1 | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Haemophilus influenzae | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2) | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6) | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Human parechovirus | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Listeria monocytogenes | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Meningitis Panel PCR | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Negative | ||
| Neisseria meningitidis | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Streptococcus agalactiae | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Streptococcus pneumoniae | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected | ||
| Varicella zoster virus (VZV) | All | 0 Minutes – 150 Years | Not Detected |
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday; continuously
CPT(s)
87798 ; 87496 ; 87498 ; 87798 ; 87798 ; 87529 ; 87529 ; 87532 ; 87798 ; 87798 ; 87798 ; 87798 ; 87798 ; 87798
Performing Lab Section
Microbiology