Cerebrospinal Fluid (Viral Meningitis PCR)

Test information: Used in the diagnosis of viral encephalitis / meningitis.

Availability: Available locally Monday - Friday during routine hours: 08:45 - 17:15
Testing Schedule Mondays, Wednesday, Fridays.

Turnaround Time: 1 - 3 Days

Related Tests: Cerebrospinal Fluid (Microscopy Culture & Sensitivity)

Specimen Type(s)

• Cerebrospinal fluid;

Other Acceptable Specimen Type(s)

N/A

Specimen Container - Adult

• Sterile CE-marked Universal Container;

Specimen Container - Paediatric

• Sterile CE-marked Universal Container;

Analytes

• Enterovirus RNA;
• Herpes simplex virus 1 (Human herpesvirus 1) DNA;
• Herpes simplex virus 2 (Human herpesvirus 2) DNA;
• Human Parechovirus RNA;
• Varicella zoster virus DNA;

Part of a test profile?

No

Volume (min) of sample to be sent to laboratory

Cerebrospinal Fluid: 300uL

Patient Preparation, Sample Handling and Transport

CSF samples for viral meningitis testing must be received by Microbiology within 4 hours of collection to achieve optimal test sensitivity.

Maximum add on time

N/A

Units and Reference Ranges / Interpretation

Results: Negative / Positive
Where the result is Negative, low levels of RNA pathogens (Enterovirus / Human parechovirus) cannot be excluded if samples are received outside of the optimal delivery time frame.

UKAS number

8869

UKAS accredited test?

Yes

Comments

N/A

If you have any queries about a test or results interpretation please contact us.