Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

1.0 ml CSF specimen in sterile collection tube.

CSF specimens should be collected via lumbar puncture. This test is not intended for use with CSF collected from indwelling medical devices (e.g. CSF shunts). 

CSF specimen should not be centrifuged, diluted, or otherwise processed prior to testing. 

Check expiration date on collection device before use. 

Caution should be exercised during specimen collection to prevent contamination leading to false positive results. Some organisms detected, such as Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae, can be shed from the respiratory tract of healthy individuals.

If the specimen will arrive in the testing laboratory within 24 hours, transport at room temperature (15-25°C); if greater than 24 hours, transport refrigerated (2-8°C).

At room temperature (15-25°C) for up to 24 hours or refrigerated (approximately 2-8°C) for up to seven days.

Specimens stored or transported at incorrect temperatures. Frozen specimens. Improperly labeled/identified specimens. Quantity of specimen insufficient. Specimens which exceed stability limits. Improper specimen type. Shunt specimens

Negative for all analytes tested.

Some organisms detected, such as Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae, can be shed from the respiratory tract of healthy individuals. This assay does not distinguish between latent and active CMV and HHV-6 infections. Non-K1 E. coli serotypes and non-encapsulated strains of Neisseria meningitidis are not detected by this assay. Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii may be present but may not be detected by this assay. Order CRYPTOCOCCAL ANTIGEN, CSF [LAB2108] if Cryptococcal meningitis is suspected. Results should always be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological information.

Molecular detection of analyte RNA/DNA from approved CSF specimens. This assay detects and identifies the following analytes:

Bacteria: Escherichia coli K1 (non-K1 strains not detected), Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria meningitidis (encapsulated strains only; non-encapsulated strains not detected), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae

Viruses: Cytomegalovirus, Enterovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus 1, Herpes Simplex Virus 2, Human Herpesvirus 6, Human parechovirus, Varicella Zoster Virus.

Yeast: Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii.

Escherichia coli K1, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria meningitidis (encapsulated), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae), Cytomegalovirus, Enterovirus, Herpes Simplex Virus 1, Herpes Simplex Virus 2, Human Herpesvirus 6, Human parechovirus, Varicella Zoster Virus, Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii:, meningitis, encephalitis, multplex, PCR.

Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel, PCR, CSF - The Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) Panel is an FDA approved qualitative multiplex nucleic acid-based test that detects and identifies bacterial, viral and yeast DNA/RNA directly from a single aliquot of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in about one hour. ME panel is an aid for the diagnosis of specific agents of meningitis and/or encephalitis and results are meant to be used in conjunction with other clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory data including standard of care, culture for organism recovery, serotyping, and antimicrobial susceptibility testing. The results are not intended to be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or other patient management decisions.