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HelpTest Code CSFME Meningitis/Encephalitis Pathogen Panel, PCR, Spinal Fluid
Ordering Guidance
It is not usually recommended that the following tests be concomitantly ordered if this test is ordered:
-CMVPV / Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
-LENT / Enterovirus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
-HSVC / Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV), Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid
-HHV6V / Human Herpesvirus-6, Molecular Detection, PCR, Spinal Fluid
-VZVPV / Varicella-Zoster Virus, Molecular Detection, PCR, Varies
For recommended testing to be ordered with this test, see Additional Testing Requirements.
Additional Testing Requirements
1. In some cases, there may be local public health requirements that impact Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ (MCL) clients and require additional testing on specimens with positive results from this panel. Clients should familiarize themselves with local requirements. MCL recommends that clients retain an aliquot of each specimen submitted for this test to perform additional testing, as needed.
2. It is recommended that the following testing be ordered with this test:
-CCCF / Cell Count and Differential, Spinal Fluid
-TPSF / Protein, Total, Spinal Fluid
-GLSF / Glucose, Spinal Fluid
-GEN / Bacterial Culture, Aerobic, Varies
-GRAM / Gram Stain, Varies
3. If clinically indicated, the following testing should also be ordered with this test:
-FS / Fungal Smear, Varies
-FGEN / Fungal Culture, Routine
-LFACX / Cryptococcus Antigen with Reflex, Spinal Fluid
Shipping Instructions
Specimen must arrive at refrigerated temperature within 7 days of collection.
Necessary Information
Specimen source is required.
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Frozen specimens are not acceptable.
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
This test is not intended for use with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from indwelling medical devices (eg, CSF shunts).
This test is not recommended as a test of cure.
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Algorithm
Special Instructions
Method Name
Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
Reporting Name
Meningitis Encephalitis Panel, PCRSpecimen Type
CSFSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated | 7 days |
Reference Values
Negative (for all targets)
Interpretation
A positive result for 1 or more of the organisms suggests that nucleic acid from the organism was present in the sample.
A negative result suggests that the nucleic acid of 14 common pathogens of the central nervous system was not present in the sample.
A negative result should not rule-out central nervous system (CNS) infection in patients with a high pretest probability for meningitis or encephalitis. The assay does not test for all potential infectious agents of CNS disease. Negative results should be considered in the context of a patient's clinical course and treatment history, if applicable. False-negative results may occur when the concentration of nucleic acid in the specimen is below the limit of detection for the test.
Detection of multiple viruses or bacteria or viruses and bacteria may be observed with this test. In these situations, the clinical history and presentation should be reviewed thoroughly to determine the clinical significance of multiple pathogens in the same specimen.
Results are intended to aid in the diagnosis of illness and are meant to be used in conjunction with other clinical and epidemiological findings.
Clinical Reference
1. FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis [ME] Panel CE IVD Instruction Booklet. BioFire Diagnostics, LLC; RFIT-PRT-0276-03, 06/2017
2. Liesman R, Strasburg A, Heitman A, Theel ES, Patel R, Binnicker MJ. Evaluation of a commercial multiplex molecular panel for the diagnosis of infectious meningitis and encephalitis. J Clin Microbiol. 2018;56(4):e012927-17. doi: 10.1128/JCM.01927-17
3. Ramanan P, Bryson A, Binnicker MJ, Pritt BS, Patel R. Syndromic panel-based testing in clinical microbiology. Clin Microbiol Rev. 2017;31(1):e00024-17. doi: 10.1128/CMR.00024-17
4. Rhein J, Bahr NC, Hemmert AC, et al. Diagnostic performance of a multiplex PCR assay for meningitis in an HIV-infected population in Uganda. 2016;84(3):268-273. doi: 10.1016/j.diagmicrobio.2015.11.017
5. Wootton SH, Aguilera E, Salazar L, et al. Enhancing pathogen identification in patients with meningitis and a negative Gram stain using the BioFire FilmArray(R) Meningitis/Encephalitis panel. Ann Clin Microbiol Antimicrob 2016;15:26. doi: 10.1186/s12941-016-0137-1
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
87483
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| CSFME | Meningitis Encephalitis Panel, PCR | 82180-1 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| SRCSF | Specimen Source | 31208-2 |
| 42375 | Escherichia coli K1 | 82182-7 |
| 42376 | Haemophilus influenzae | 82183-5 |
| 42377 | Listeria monocytogenes | 82184-3 |
| 42378 | Neisseria meningitidis | 82185-0 |
| 42379 | Streptococcus agalactiae | 82186-8 |
| 42380 | Streptococcus pneumoniae | 82187-6 |
| 42381 | Cytomegalovirus | 82189-2 |
| 42382 | Enterovirus | 82194-2 |
| 42383 | Herpes simplex virus 1 | 82190-0 |
| 42384 | Herpes simplex virus 2 | 82191-8 |
| 42385 | Human herpes virus 6 | 82192-6 |
| 42386 | Human parechovirus | 82193-4 |
| 42387 | Varicella zoster virus | 82188-4 |
| 42388 | Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii | 82181-9 |
| 605190 | Interpretation | 59464-8 |
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following forms with the specimen:
-Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request (T732)
-Microbiology Test Request (T244)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday