Sign in →

Test Code ME Panel Meningitis / Encephalitis (ME) Panel, CSF

Important Note

NOTE: This test is intended to be used in conjunction with standard bacterial culture in the evaluation of meningitis and encephalitis for organism recovery and antimicrobial susceptibility test when necessary. A CSF Culture must be ordered whenever the ME Panel test is ordered. 

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) for the following targets:

-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

Specimen Requirements

Specimen  Source: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Container/Tube: Sterile Container

Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL

Collection Instructions: CSF is collected per standard lumbar puncture techniques. 

Specimen Transport

Specimens should be tested as soon as possible after collection.

Specimens may remain at room temperature for up to 24 hours, after which specimens may be refrigerated for up to 7 days. NOTE: if CSF Culture is also ordered, do not refrigerate specimen.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Test is available 24/7 and is STAT orderable.

Test turn-around-time is approximately 2 hours.

Reference Values

Negative

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87483

Performing Laboratory

Beebe Healthcare Laboratory

Performing Location

Margaret H. Rollins Campus Laboratory