Bacteria, Virus, Fungus, and Parasite Metagenomic Sequencing, Spinal Fluid
Use
This test is used for detecting and identifying pathogenic organisms such as bacteria, fungi, DNA viruses, RNA viruses, and parasites in cerebrospinal fluid, specifically for patients with suspected but undiagnosed central nervous system infections. It applies an unbiased metagenomic sequencing approach to overcome diagnostic limitations of traditional methods, by identifying a wide diversity of pathogens in a single specimen.
Special Instructions
This test is not recommended as a test of cure because nucleic acids may persist after successful treatment. It requires answering the question 'Which CSF Collection Vial Number Sent' at the time of ordering, and specimens from 'Vial 1' are not acceptable. Testing may be delayed if this information is omitted.
Limitations
This test does not detect prions and may result in false positives if specimens are contaminated with microbial nucleic acids from environmental sources. High levels of human nucleic acids can decrease test sensitivity, resulting in competition during sequencing. Not all CNS pathogens are detectable in CSF using this method, and results should be interpreted alongside clinical findings. The test is only validated for CSF collected via lumbar puncture.
New York Approved
Methodology
NGS (Targeted)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 103566-6
- 103566-6
Result Turnaround Time
7-14 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Sterile vial
Collection Instructions
Submit specimen from collection vial 2, 3, or 4. Masks should be worn during specimen collection and processing. Handle all vials under sterile technique. Do not centrifuge or heat inactivate. Indicate on the label which vial is being submitted. Shunt fluid and ventricular fluid specimens are not acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, shunt fluid, ventricular fluid, heat-inactivated specimen
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 21 days |