CSF BioFire Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel |
Ordering information: | 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. Please use manual pathology order form.
Please note: This is not a routine test. Approval from a clinical microbiologist is required before performing the test. |
Alternate names: | biofire, filmarray, torch |
Laboratory: | Microbiology |
Test Code: | CSFBIO |
Specimen types: | Cerebrospinal Fluid |
Container types: | | CSF |  |
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Collection Instructions: | Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab
Minimum 200uL/0.2mL of unspun CSF is required for this test.
CSF collected via lumbar punture only; bloodstained/xanthochromic samples are suitable |
Minimum Adult Volume: | 200 uL |
Notes: | 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. |
Frequency: | As required |
Result Turnaround Time: | 3-4 hours |
Laboratory Use Only |
Accessing Results
EMR: Pathology results are available via EMR.
Auscare: If EMR is unavailable, results can be accessed through Auscare. Don’t have an Auscare login? Complete the Auscare User Form.
To access Auscare, see instructions.
Forms & Collection Guides
Consent Form – Non-Medicare Tests
For tests not covered by Medicare. Download Form
Pathology Request Form
Printable referral form for submitting pathology requests. Download Form.
Microbiology Swab Collection Guide
Step-by-step instructions for correct swab collection. Download Guide.
Preferred Order of Draw
Instructions to ensure accurate blood collection and results. View Instructions
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