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Test Code MEP Meningitis Encephalitis Panel, CSF

Methodology

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
(PCR is utilized pursuant to a license agreement with Roche Molecular Systems, Inc.)

The following are tested: Escherichia coli K1, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Cytomegalovirus, Enterovirus, Herpes simplex virus 1, Herpes simplex virus 2, Human herpes virus 6, Human parechovirus, Varicella zoster virus and Cryptococcus neoformans/gatti.

 

Notes

-This test is not a substitute for culturing the specimen. A routine bacterial culture must be performed on Huntsville Hospital patients in addition to this test.

-Non-K1 E. coli serotypes and Non-encapsulated strains of Neisseria meningitidis may be present in a specimen and will not be detected.

-This panel does not distinguish between latent and active CMV and HHV-6 infections.  

Performing Laboratory

Huntsville Hospital Laboratory

Specimen Requirements

A minimum 0.2 mL of uncentrifuged spinal fluid collected by lumbar puncture. Specimens obtained via ventricular shunts are NOT acceptable. Send specimen refrigerated (preferred) in a screw-capped, sterile, plastic vial. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. If call-back is requested, include telephone number of contact person.

Reference Values

Negative

Critical value:  Positive

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

LOINC Coding

 

Test Name LOINC Code
Escherichia coli K1 31824-6

Haemophilus influenzae

 61366-1
Listeria monocytogenes 61369-5
Neisseria meningitidis 49671-1
Streptococcus agalactiae 48683-7
Streptococcus pneumoniae 49672-9
Cytomegalovirus 30326-3
Enterovirus 29558-4
Herpes simplex virus 1 16952-4
Herpes simplex virus 2 16960-7
Human herpesvirus 6 33942-4
Human parechovirus 51669-0
Varicella zoster virus 21598-8
Cryptococcus neoformans/gatti 38377-8
Comment 8251-1

 

Specimen Stability Information

 

Specimen Type

Temperature

Time

CSF, lumbar puncture

RT

24 hours
 

Refrigerated (preferred)

7 days

 

Reject Due To

Frozen specimen, insufficient quantity and/or improper collection.

Secondary ID

HHA1557

CPT Coding

87798 (x9)

87653

87496

87532

87529 (x2)