Bacteria, Virus, Fungus, and Parasite Metagenomic Sequencing, Spinal Fluid

Alphabetical Test listing

Bacteria, Virus, Fungus, and Parasite Metagenomic Sequencing, Spinal Fluid-994

Test name:

Test number:

994

Excellian order number:

LAB994

Abbreviation:

MSO

Alternate names:

Metagenomic Sequencing, CSF Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)
mNGS

Useful for:

Detecting and identifying pathogenic organisms including bacteria, fungi, DNA viruses, RNA viruses, and parasites in cerebrospinal fluid

Specimen type:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Collection container:

Sterile vial/container

Volume:

2.0 mL

Minimum volume:

0.5 mL

Collection instructions:

Masks should be worn by those collecting and processing specimens for this assay.
Handle all vials under sterile technique when open to the air.
A separate collection vial of CSF is preferred.
Submit specimen from collection vial 2, 3, or 4, as specimens from vial 1 are not acceptable.
Indicate on the label which vial is being submitted.

Transport container:

Screw-capped polypropylene vial/tube, sterile (Mayo)

Transport and stability:

Frozen (preferred) - 21 days

Refrigerated - 7 days

Reason for rejection:

Gross hemolysis
Shunt fluid
Ventricular fluid
Heat-inactivated specimen
CSF collection tube 1

Performing lab:

Mayo Clinical Laboratory (MSCSF)

Days set up:

Mo - Fr

TAT:

7 - 14 days

Method:

Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)

Reference ranges:

Negative

No pathogenic DNA virus detected

No pathogenic RNA virus detected

No pathogenic parasite detected

No pathogenic bacterium detected

No pathogenic fungus detected

CPT codes:

0480U

Date created:

08/12/2026

Review date:

08/12/2026