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Test Code LAB7292 Encephalitis (Viral PCR) Panel

Performing Lab

NY State Department of Health, Wadsworth

Ordering Recommendations

 Typical turnaround time for this panel is 7-14 days and is performed only for CSF specimens collected from hospitalized patients with a current diagnosis of viral encephalitis, defined as temperature of 100.4oF, and altered mental status, and abnormal CSF findings.  CSF submitted on patients no longer hospitalized or with a current diagnosis of viral menigitis will be tested only for West Nile Virus antibody by ELISA.  Tests for mosquito-borne diseases are not performed during the winter months. 

Please order MENCP for in-house testing CSF if west nile and arboviruses are not requested.

Collect

>1.0mL CSF in sterile container

Stability (from collection to initiation)

Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year

Storage/Transport Temperature

Frozen

Minimum Requirements

If there is less than 1.0mL of CSF submitted, the quantity will not be sufficient to perform both West Nile Virus (WNV) ELISA and PCR panel testing. Please indicate on the case report form (see link in remarks field) if PCR or ELISA testing is most appropriate for your patient using these guidelines: ELISA is more sensitive than PCR for WNV testing and should be considered when there is a stronger suspicion of WNV than other viruses. PCR is less sensitive for WNV, but can detect a broader range of viruses, and should be considered if viruses other than WNV are suspected.

Methodology

Real-time PCR /ELISA

Start Date

7/1/2012

Last Review Date

06/24/2025

Performed

Sent out Mon-Thursday in season

Lab Section

Microbiology (Virology)

Collection Instructions

CSF ONLY:  Please note:  Different testing batteries are performed on CSF depending on whether or not the patient is hospitalized.  Refer to Ordering recommendations section.

Remarks

CSF testing includes the following PCRs: Adenovirus DNA, CMV DNA, Enterovirus RNA, EBV DNA, HSV 1 DNA, HSV 2 DNA, HHV-6 DNA, Heartland virus, VZV DNA, EEE RNA, SLE RNA, WNV RNA, Powassan RNA, and IgM antibody for WNV. Mosquito transmitted diseases not tested in winter.

 

The NY State Lab requires that specimens be submitted for testing along with 2 completed forms.

 **CLINICIANS MUST COMPLETE AND RETURN THE REQUIRED FORMS. CLICK HERE FOR FORMS. **

Reported

10 days

Performing Laboratory Phone #

(518) 473-3837