Viral Neurological screen: CSF samples for diagnosis of neurological disease by PCR
The advent of PCR has made the diagnosis of viral meningitis easier. Viral culture is no longer necessary and PCR is a very sensitive and specific test. Patients with suspected viral meningitis (either based on clinical presentation or on CSF differential WCC count - which shows a predominantly lymphocytic pleocytosis) will be tested for HSV, VZV adenovirus and enteroviruses/Parechovirus by PCR. In the immunocompromised CMV, EBV, JC and HHV-6 are added if meningitis has to be ruled out.
Meningococcus and Pneumococcal PCR can also be tested if indicated.
| Tube | CSF sample - white topped universal |
|---|---|
| ID | 3673 |
| Additional Information | Investigation of viral meningitis and encephalitis Multiplex PCR testing for viral targets |
| Turn Around | 3 days |
| Send to | LGI Microbiology Department |
| Collection Con | CSF sample in plain universal. A separate sample and request should be sent for testing. |
| IP Routine TAT | 3 days |
| GP Routine TAT | 3 days |
