Meningitis/Encephalitis PCR

Orderable EAP code:

LAB102520

Billable EAP Codes:

80087483 x 1

CPT Codes:

87483 x 1

Lab Section:

Core Lab

Includes:

Meningitis/Encephalitis PCR includes: C.neoformans/gattii, CMV, Enterovirus, E. coli (K1), H. influenza, HSV-1, HSV-2, HHV-6, Human parechovirus, L. monocytogenes, N. Meningitidis, S. agalacteiae, S. pneumoniae, VZV

Turnaround Time:

Routine: 4 Hours
Urgent: 2 Hours

Test Schedule:

24 hours, 7 days a week.

Interpretation:

Meningitis/Encephalitis PCR is not a replacement for CSF bacterial and/or fungal culture and Cryptococcal Ag testing for at risk patients. Non-K1 E. coli serotypes and non-encapsulated strains of N. meningitidis are NOT detected. The panel does NOT differentiate active from latent HSV infections.

Critical Values:

Any detected organism

Specimen Requirements:

CSF only; STAT to lab
Stable at RT 2 hours
Stable in Refrigerator 7 days
Minimum volume for MEP PCR 0.5 ml

Reference Range:

MEP PCR: Not Detected

Comments:

Turnaround time:
MEP, PCR 4 hours from receipt

Synonyms:

Meningitis Pathogen Panel; Meningitis Panel; MEP; Meningitis; Encephalitis Panel; Meningitis PCR