Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel by PCR, CSF

Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel by PCR, CSF

Epic Mnemonic
Sunquest Mnemonic

LAB3202
MEPCR

Category

Molecular

Methodology

Qualitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Test Performance Schedule

Sunday - Saturday

Result Availability

Within 24 hours

Container

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) obtained via lumbar puncture. Collect a dedicated sterile tube for this test.

Volume

Pref. Vol.: 0.5 mL
Min. Vol.: 0.3 mL

Collection Instructions

• Obtain cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) by lumbar puncture
• Transfer 0.5 mL CSF to a screw-capped plastic transport tube
• Do not centrifuge

Transportation Instructions

Refrigerated

Stability

• Room Temperature: 24 hours
• Refrigerated: 7 days
• Frozen: Unacceptable

Causes for Rejection

Specimen originating from shunt. Frozen specimen.

Remarks

Due to the sensitive nature of PCR based testing, it is important to guard against contamination of the specimen. Use clean gloves and wear a surgical mask (or equivalent) while performing the lumbar puncture to prevent contamination by respiratory flora of the health care professional.

Test Includes:
Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Enterovirus
Escherichia coli K1
Haemophilus influenzae
Herpes simplex virus 1(HSV-1)
Herpes simplex virus 2(HSV-2)
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)
Human parechovirus
Listeria monocytogenes
Neisseria meningitidis
Streptococcus agalactiae
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)

NOTE:
The rapid meningitis /encephalitis panel is NOT a replacement for CSF culture or Cryptoccocal antigen testing and results must be interpreted in the context of clinical information (including antimicrobial therapy), and other laboratory data prior to treatment decisions. There is an inherent risk of false negative and false positive values due to collection and technical issues. Always review follow-up culture results. The assay does NOT detect all E.Coli serotypes or all strains of N. meningitides. The assay does NOT differentiate active from latent herpes virus infections.

CPT Codes

87483

Effective/Revised

2/4/2019