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Meningitis Encephalitis Panel NAAT, CSF - Saskatoon

Discipline

Microbiology

Overview

Description

The Meningtis-Encephalitis Panel is Health Canada approved and capable of simultaneous detection and identification of multiple bacterial, and viral nucleic acids directly from CSF specimens obtained via lumbar puncture.  The following organisms are identified:

Bacteria:
  • Escherichia coli K1
  • Haemophilus influenzae
  • Listeria monocytogenes
  • Neisseria meningitidis (encapsulated)
  • Streptococcus agalactiae
  • Streptococcus pneumoniae
Viruses:
  • Cytomegalovirus
  • Enterovirus
  • Herpes simplex virus 1
  • Herpes simplex virus 2
  • Human herpesvirus 6
  • Human parechovirus
  • Varicella zoster virus 
Ordering Recommendations
  • Patients with suspect viral or bacterial meningitis/encephalitis

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

  • CSF

Specimen collection container

CSF collection kit, or

  • Sterile, white screw-cap, conical bottom tube
  • Separate specimen required from bacterial culture

Collection procedure

  • Collect CSF using a CSF collection kit, or collect into a sterile, white screw-cap, conical bottom tube.

Required volume

  • 1 mL optimal (0.5 mL minimum)

Transport and stability

  • Freeze as soon as possible after collection and ship on dry ice.

Performance

Methodology

  • Qualitative NAAT testing using BioFire Meningitis-Encephalitis Panel PCR (Positive, Negative, Indeterminate)

Days/times performed

Availability
  • All specimens will be tested at RUH

Maximum laboratory time

Result reporting
  • Turnaround time of 24 hours from receipt in testing laboratory

Specimen retention time

  • CSF is retained for 30 days after completion of testing

Other information

  • A separate tube must be collected for this test
  • Testing performed based on abnormal CSF parameters or MOC approval

Last Updated: April 17, 2024