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Test Code MEPCR Meningitis/Encephalitis PCR

Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Sterile vial(s)

Specimen Volume: 8 mL of spinal fluid (from third tube collected in a series of  three),  Do not centrifuge before testing

Collection Instructions:

Note: 1. Label vial with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number, and date and actual time of collection.

2. Specimen source is required.

Specimen Transport Temperature

RoomTemperature

Transport  ASAP 

Hand deliver to Hematology 

Performing Laboratory

The Valley Hospital

Rapid detection of meningitis and encephalitis caused by:

-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

 

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

 

This test is not recommended as a test of cure.