The BioFire® FilmArray® CSF Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) Panel is a qualitative multiplexed nucleic acid PCR test detecting the following pathogens: Escherichia coli K1; Haemophilus influenzae; Listeria monocytogenes; Neisseria meningitidis (encapsulated); Streptococcus agalactiae; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Cytomegalovirus; Enterovirus; Herpes simplex virus 1&2; Human herpesvirus 6; Human parechovirus; Varicella zoster virus; Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii.

Test not orderable via EMR. All tests require approval from Clinical Microbiologist.

This test requires approval from the Clinical Microbiologist. Minimum 200uL/0.2mL of unspun CSF is required for this test.

CSF collected via lumbar punture only; bloodstained/xanthochromic samples are suitable

NOTE: Non-K1 E. coli serotypes may be present in a specimen and will not be detected by the BioFire ME Panel.
NOTE: Non-encapsulated strains of Neisseria meningitidis are not detected by the BioFire ME Panel.
NOTE: The BioFire ME Panel does not distinguish between latent and active CMV and HHV-6 infections. Detection of these viruses may indicate primary infection, secondary reactivation, or the presence of latent virus. Results should always be interpreted in conjunction with other clinical, laboratory, and epidemiological information.
NOTE: Patients with a suspicion of cryptococcal meningitis and a negative cryptococcal PCR result, such as by the BioFire ME Panel, should be tested for CrAG.