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Test Code MEPNAT Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel, NAT, Spinal Fluid

Useful For

The simultaneous detection and identification of multiple bacterial, viral, and yeast nucleic acids directly from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) specimens obtained via lumbar puncture from individuals with signs and/or symptoms of meningitis and/or encephalitis.

 

The results of this test should not be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or other management decisions.

 

This test is not intended for use with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected from indwelling medical devices (e.g., CSF shunts).
 

Targets Detected:

Bacteria: Viruses: Yeast:
  • Escherichia coli K1
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Enterovirus
  
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Herpes simplex virus 1
  
  • Neisseria meningitidis
  • Herpes simplex virus 2
  
  • Streptococcus agalactiae
  • Human herpesvirus 6
  
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
  • Human parechovirus
  
 
  • Varicella zoster virus
  

Synonyms/Keywords

Encephalitis, meningitis, Escherichia coli k1, Haemophilus inlfuenza, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, cytomegalovirus, enterovirus, varicella zoster virus, herpes simplex virus, human Parechovirus, Cryptococcus neoformans/gatti

Specimen Requirements

Fasting Required Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
 
No CSF Sterile, leak-proof vial
 		 1.0 mL 0.5 mL  

Collection/Processing Instructions

For more information on Specimen Collection Media/Swab, see Specimen Transport Pictorial

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
CSF Refrigerated 7 days
Frozen 30 days

Rejection Criteria

Specimens in transport media

Centrifuged specimens

Fluids collected from a CSF shunt

Test Information

It is recommended that the following test be ordered with this test:

  • CSF Fluid Panel; CSF Profile
  • Culture, Aerobic- with Susceptibilities; AERS

If clinically indicated, it is recommended the following tests be ordered with this test:

  • Culture, Fungus- General; FUNG
  • Cryptococcus Antigen Screen with Titer, CSF; CRYPAGC
     

Reference Range Information

Not Detected

Marshfield Labs Performing Department

Marshfield Labs Microbiology

Performing Information

Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield Monday through Sunday 4 hours Multiplex-PCR

CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
87483     Infectiousagent detection by nucleic acid; central nervous system pathogen includesmultiplex reverse transcription, when performed, and multiplex amplified probetechnique, multiple types, or subtypes, 12-25 targets  

Outreach CPT Codes

CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
87483     Infectious agent detection by nucleic acid; central nervous system pathogen includes multiplex reverse transcription, when performed, and multiplex amplified probe technique, multiple types, or subtypes, 12-25 targets  

Ordering Applications

Ordering Application Description
Cerner Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel by Nucleic Acid Amplified Test