Approval is required from Infectious Disease service to order.
Dedicated testing for HSV (HSV DNA by PCR, Qualitative, CSF) and Cryptococcus (Cryptococcus Antigen, CSF) are more sensitive than the same targets on the MEPAN and thus should be ordered prior to the MEPAN if clinically indicated.
The FilmArray ME Panel is indicated as an aid in the diagnosis of specific agents of meningitis and/or encephalitis and results are meant to be used in conjunction with other clinical, epidemiological, and laboratory data. Results are not intended to be used as the sole basis for diagnosis, treatment, or other patient management decisions. Positive results do not rule out co-infection with organisms not included in the FilmArray ME Panel. The agent detected may not be the definite cause of the disease. Negative results do not preclude central nervous system (CNS) infection. The FilmArray ME Panel is not intended for testing of specimens collected from indwelling CNS medical devices.