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HelpTest 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.
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.
Specimen Stability Information
|
Specimen Type |
Temperature |
Time |
|
CSF, lumbar puncture |
RT |
24 hours |
|
Refrigerated (preferred) |
7 days |
Reference Values
Negative
Critical value: Positive
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
CPT Coding
87798 (x9)
87653
87496
87532
87529 (x2)
Secondary ID
HHA1557
Performing Laboratory
Huntsville Hospital Laboratory
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 |
Reject Due To
Frozen specimen, insufficient quantity and/or improper collection.