MENINGITIS ENCEPHALITIS PANEL, CSF by PCR

Message

Send specimen in a Purple Irretrievable Bag

Place PINK Molecular Biology Specimen sticker and STAT sticker on bag

Test Code

BFMEN

CPT Codes
87483

Includes

Includes: Escherichia coli K1; Haemophilus influenzae; Listeria monocytogenes; Neisseria meningitidis (encapsulated); Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B); Streptococcus pneumoniae; Cytomegalovirus; Enterovirus; Herpes simplex 1&2 virus; Human herpes virus 6 (HHV-6); Human parechovirus; Varicella zoster virus; Cryptococcus neoformans/gatti

This test does not detect non-K1 serotypes of E. Coli or non-encapsulated strains of N. meningitidis. In addition, this test does not distinguish between latent and active CMV and HHV-6 infections.

Preferred Specimen

CSF by lumbar puncture. Do not centrifuge. Do not add transport media.

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Other Acceptable Specimens

Sterile container

Instructions

None

Transport Temperature

Refrigerate

Specimen Stability

15-30°C up to 24 hours
2-8°C up to 7 days
-15 to -70°C up to 30 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

The following conditions will result in a rejected specimen:

Leaking container
Centrifuged specimen
Diluted specimen

Methodology
RT-PCR

Setup Schedule

M, T, W, Th, F, Sa, Su

Report Available

Within 24 hours of receipt at the performing laboratory.

Reference Range

Not Detected

A negative result does not exclude a diagnosis of meningitis or encephalitis due to infection.

Clinical Significance

Used to rapidly detect a panel of common viruses, bacteria, and fungi associated with meningitis and encephilitis. Do not use as a replacement for CSF bacterial and/or fungal cuture and Cryptococcal antigen testing for at-risk patients.

Performed By
Alverno Laboratories

Performing Laboratory
Alverno Central Lab
NMB9 (Molecular Biology, BioFire)

Last Updated: June 9, 2023

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.