Biofire Filmarray Meningitis/Encephalitis panel

General Information

Specimen volume and type:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from:

• Lumbar puncture
• Lumbar drain
• Shunts and Reservoirs

In suspected cases of meningitis or where urgent analysis is required; CSF should be sent immediately to the laboratory in a sterile universal container.

Notes

Where patients have been tested and found positive for HSV-1, HSV-2 or VZV DNA in their CSF by Biofire; this patient should be repeat tested 14 or 21 days later to confirm clearance in line with clinical guidelines.

CSF samples should not be sent via the Sample Delivery System (SDS).

The following pathogens are identified utilising the BioFire Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel: Haemophilus influenzae, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria meningitides, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6), Human parechovirus (HPeV), Varicella zoster virus (VZV), Enterovirus (EV), Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1), Herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2), Cryptococcus neoformans/gattii.

Neurosurgical patients: if Biofire is thought to be required, please discuss with Microbiology Consultant prior to requesting.

Information Sharing: If your sample needs to be referred or a notifiable disease is detected from your sample, your details and sample may be shared with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is a legal requirement. The UKHSA is sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.