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Test Code LAB2421 CSF meningitis/encephalitis PCR Qual Panel

Important Note

LCS - Register patient/sample and order test. Send to Microbiology ASAP with paperwork and labels. Time sensitive testing.

Testing will only be performed on CSF from lumbar puncture.  CSF shunt fluid is not an appropriate sample for this testing. 

Infectious

Additional Codes

CSF PCR VIR

CSF PCR BACT

Clinical System Name

CSF meningitis/encephalitis PCR Qual Panel

Sample Requirements

Specimen: CSF by lumbar puncture

Container: sterile container

Preferred Vol: 1.0 mL

Minimum Vol: 0.5 mL

 

Note: Clotted CSF is not acceptable for this test and will be rejected.

Processing Instructions

CPA: Send CSF to Microbiology ASAP. The sample can be shared with other Viral PCR tests but cannot be shared or added on to samples that have been run through any analyzer.  Microbiology may split the sample prior to testing if multiple tubes are not collected for Virology and other testing. Please call Microbiology for any sample related questions.

 

Off-site collection: Sample should be refrigerated prior to and during transport to the SCH Microbiology Laboratory.  Sample should be frozen at -20C for storage of >24 hours.

 

 

Stability

Specimen Temp Time
CSF Room temp 24 hours
  Refrigerated 7 days
  Frozen 4 months

 

Availability

Procedure Performed Turn Around Time (TAT)
PCR 24/7

2 hours

 

Performing Laboratory

Seattle Children's Laboratory

Department

Microbiology Laboratory

CPT Codes

87483

Methodology

Molecular method by BioFire FilmArray (Film Array)

Reporting Information

Final Report: Within 2 hours after receipt in the SCH Microbiology lab.

Positive or negative is reported for each infectious agent.

Notifiable Result

See Link below for Notifiable Conditions for WA state labs:

https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-healthcare-providers/notifiable-conditions

 

See Link below for PDF of phone numbers for Local Health jurisdictions (by County) in WA State:

https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1200/LHJCommunicableDiseaseReporting.pdf

Reference Ranges

Negative

Description

Appropriate test to diagnose meningitis caused by the following agents:

Cytomegalovirus

Enterovirus

Herpes Simplex Virus 1 and 2

Human Herpes Virus 6

Human parechovirus

Varicella zoster virus

Cryptococcus gattii/neoformans

Escherichia coli K1

Haemophilus influenzae

Listeria monoctyogenes

Neisseria meningitidis

Steptococcus agalactiae (Strep B)

Streptococcus pneumoniae

Requisition

Miscellaneous Requisition