Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) pathogen multiplex PCR, CSF

Alphabetical Test listing

Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) pathogen multiplex PCR, CSF-14504

Test name:

Test number:

14504

Excellian order number:

LAB14504

Abbreviation:

ME-CSF

Alternate names:

ME, CSF panel

Tests included:

Bacteria:
Escherichia coli K1
Haemophilus influenza
Listeria monocytogenes
Neisseria meningitidis
Streptococcus agalactiae
Streptococcus pneumonia

Virus:
Cytomegalovirus
Enterovirus
Herpes simplex virus 1/Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV1/2)
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6)
Human parechovirus
Varicella zoster virus (VZV)

Fungal:
Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii

Useful for:

Rapid detection of meningitis and encephalitis caused by:

Escherichia coli K1 (K1 serotype only)
Haemophilus influenzae
Listeria monocytogenes
Neisseria meningitidis (encapsulated strains only)
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B Strep)
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Cytomegalovirus (CMV)
Enterovirus
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)
Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2)
Herpes simplex virus 6 (HHV-6)
Human parechovirus
Varicella zoster virus (VZV)
Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii

Limitations:

Possible interference of assay performance, resulting in false-negative test results in patients on prior treatments. Test performance is dependent on appropriate sample collection, handling, transport, and storage. False-negative results may arise from genetic rearrangements or closely related strains of the target organisms in the panel.
This test is not indicative for Ventricular shunt infections
Not for a test of cure
This test cannot differentiate between Cryptococcus neoformans and Cryptococcus gattii
This test does not replace conventional CSF Gram stain and culture

Always Order Gram stain and culture (6557) when submitting this test

Specimen type:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Collection container:

Sterile screw top vial/container

Volume:

0.4 mL

Minimum volume:

0.2 mL

Collection instructions:

CSF specimens should be collected via lumbar puncture

Processing instructions:

Do not be centrifuge, dilute, or otherwise process prior to testing

Transport container:

Sterile screw top vial/container

Transport and stability:

Refrigerated (preferred) - 7 days

Ambient - 24 hours

Frozen (≤ -15 °C) - 30 days

Specimen retention time:

1 week

Reason for rejection:

Centrifuged specimen
Specimen not aliquoted aseptically
CSF collected via indwelling medical device (shunt)

Performing lab:

AHL - Microbiology: M

Days set up:

Daily

TAT:

4 hours from receipt at the performing laboratory

Method:

Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)

Reference ranges:

Not detected (Negative)

Results that require action (critical):

Detected (positive) or invalid results for any targets

CPT codes:

87483

Date created:

06/20/2022

Revised date:

12/09/2022

Review date:

12/18/2023