Intended for the multiplex PCR detection of multiple bacterial, viral, and fungal pathogens from cerebrospinal fluid in patients suspected of having encephalitis/meningitis. Targets include: Escherichia coli K1, Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria meningitidis (encapsulated), Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Cytomegalovirus, Enterovirus, Herpes simplex virus 1, Herpes simplex virus 2, Human herpesvirus 6, Human parechovirus, Varicella zoster virus, and Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii.
Specimen Sources
Lumbar Puncture
Specimen Types
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Container
Primary tube preferred. A screw-capped, sterile vial. .
Collection Instructions
Container/Tube: A screw-capped, sterile vial-Primary tube preferred. Specimen: 0.5 mL of spinal fluid (Maintain sterility and forward promptly.) Transport Temperature: Refrigerated If there is a delay in transport of >24 hours, send specimen frozen in plastic vial.
Transport Instructions
Refrigerated If there is a delay in transport of >24 hours, send specimen frozen in plastic vial.
Specimen Stability
Room Temperature: 24 hours Refrigerated: 7 days Frozen 2 Years
Methodology
Multiplex Amplified nucleic acid test that uses Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR)
