Meningitis/Encephalitis Pathogen Panel, NAA, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Also known as: FilmArray, ME CSF Panel by NAA, Meningitis/Encephalitis CSF Panel by NAA
Use
This test is used as an aid in the diagnosis of specific agents of meningitis and/or encephalitis; results are meant to be used in conjunction with other clinical, epidemiological and laboratory data.
Special Instructions
Specimens should be collected via lumbar puncture without centrifugation. It is recommended that additional testing, such as an HSV-specific PCR test or Cryptococcus Antigen test, be performed if clinical suspicion for these pathogens is high.
Limitations
Results are not intended to be used solely for diagnosis, treatment, or other patient management decisions. Positive results do not rule out co-infection with organisms not included in the FilmArray ME Panel. The presence of a detected agent may not be the cause of the disease, and negative results do not preclude a central nervous system infection. Some herpesviruses may reactivate in various clinical settings, and interpretation should be done with clinical context and expert consultation. Sensitivity in clinical use may differ from that in the package insert.
Methodology
PCR-based (Multiplexed nucleic acid amplification)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 82180-1
- 82191-8
- 82192-6
- 82193-4
- 82188-4
- 82181-9
- 82182-7
- 82183-5
- 82184-3
- 82185-0
- 82186-8
- 82187-6
- 82189-2
- 82194-2
- 82190-0
Result Turnaround Time
0-1 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
1 mL unspun CSF
Minimum Volume
0.2 mL unspun CSF
Container
Sterile CSF tube, no preservative or additive
Collection Instructions
Collect specimen via lumbar puncture; do not centrifuge the specimen.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate.
Causes for Rejection
Specimen stored at room temperature more than 24 hours or specimen stored refrigerated longer than 7 days; specimen other than CSF; specimen centrifuged
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |