Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel by PCR
Also known as: MEFAP
Use
The Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel by PCR is utilized to rapidly detect a range of common viruses, bacteria, and fungi that are associated with meningitis and encephalitis. It is crucial for the quick diagnosis and management of these potentially life-threatening CNS infections but is not a substitute for CSF culture and other specific tests for bacterial and fungal detection, especially in high-risk patients. The panel also aids in identifying multiple pathogens in one test to inform targeted treatment strategies.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The panel does not detect non-K1 serotypes of E. coli or non-encapsulated strains of Neisseria meningitidis. It is also unable to distinguish between active and latent herpes virus infections. The detection of an organism may not indicate its causative role in meningitis or encephalitis, and negative results do not exclude the presence of these conditions if clinical suspicion remains high.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
PCR-based (PCR)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 82189-2 - CMV DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82181-9 - C gattii+neofor DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82182-7 - E coli K1 DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82194-2 - EV RNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82183-5 - Haem influ DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82192-6 - HHV6 DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82190-0 - HSV1 DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82191-8 - HSV2 DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82184-3 - L monocytog DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82185-0 - N men DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82193-4 - Parechovirus A RNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82186-8 - Gp B Strep DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82188-4 - VZV DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
- 82187-6 - S pneum DNA CSF Ql NAA+n-prb
Result Turnaround Time
1 day
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Sterile ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Transfer 0.5 mL CSF to a sterile ARUP Standard Transport Tube (ARUP supply #43115). Do not centrifuge.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | Unacceptable |
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