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Epic Code LAB1231022 Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel PCR

Important Note

Due to challenging result interpretation, it is recommended to discuss with Infectious Disease prior to ordering this test.

Test Name Alias

FilmArray ME panel |  MENINGITIS/ENCEPHALITIS PANEL PCR (INFECTIOUS DISEASE ONLY)

Interface Order Alias

1231022

Clinical Information

This PCR panel is used to detect the following pathogens from cerebrospinal fluid: Escherichia coli K1, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Enterovirus, Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6), Human parechovirus, Varicella zoster virus (VZV), and Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii. 

Due to reduced sensitivity, testing of spinal fluid for HSV-1/HSV-2 by another molecular method or for cryptococcal antigen is recommended when these targets are not detected yet clinical suspicion is high.

Collection Instructions

Specimen Collection: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

 

Container(s): CSF Tube

Preferred Volume to Collect: 1.0 mL

Minimum Volume to Collect: 0.5 mL

Neonate Volume to Collect: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions:

  • IMPORTANT: Label container with:
    • Number containers/tube in order of collection
    • Patient information
    • Specimen source
    • Date of collection
  • Specimen must be received within one hour of collection.
  • Hand deliver to laboratory, do not send through pneumatic tube system
  • This testing should only be collected in an inpatient setting
  • Shunt fluid is not acceptable for this test

 

Lab Testing is performed using the following tube designation, regardless of label on tube:

  • Tube 1 = Chemistry 
  • Tube 2 = Microbiology
  • Tube 3 = Hematology
  • Tube 4 = Extra

Transport Temperature: Ambient

Rejection Criteria

  • Frozen specimens
  • Shunt fluid is not acceptable for this test

Specimen Stability

Ambient: 24 hours
Refrigerated (4°C):  7 days

Test Frequency

Available daily, usual turn-around time 24 hours

Reference Range

Not detected for all targets

 Please see Critical Values Table

Performing Department

Microbiology/Virology

Performing Department Laboratory Location

Corewell Health Reference Laboratory, Grand Rapids, MI
Corewell Health Lakeland St. Joseph Laboratory, St. Joseph, MI

Methodology

PCR

CPT

87483

CDM Code

3068748301

Epic Test ID

1230102666

LOINC

82180-1

Reviewed Date

9/7/2023