Detection and identification of bacterial organisms in CSF
Microbiology
Bacteriology
○ CSF (minimum 1-2 mL)
Other Information
○ The BioFire FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel will automatically be done on samples received for encephalitis or meningitis and in transplant and immunocompromised patients and neonates. Other requests require microbiologist approval. ○The panel can detect the following pathogens: E. coli K1, Haemophilus influenza, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B), S. pneumoniae, CMV, Enterovirus, HSV-1 and 2, HHV-6, human parechovirus, VZV, Cryptococcus (neoformans/gattii). ○ This panel is not intended for use in patients with indwelling CNS devices or any other type of healthcare-associated CNS infections and does NOT detect organisms most frequently encountered in these settings.
○ Sterile container
CSF by lumbar puncture: Decontaminate skin, collect at least 1-2 mL of CSF by lumbar puncture for bacterial culture into a sterile container; collect more CSF if additional cultures are requested (AFB, fungal, etc.). If more than one tube can be successfully collected, the microbiology laboratory should receive the second or third tubes (whichever is less bloody) to avoid contamination by skin flora or blood. CSF by shunt/drain/Ommaya reservoir: Clean reservoir site with antiseptic solution and alcohol prior to removing fluid. Collect CSF from drain/shunt attached to intracranial device into sterile container. If device is an Ommaya reservoir, aspirate CSF using a sterile needle and syringe; label accordingly (e.g. CSF from shunt or Ommaya reservoir as opposed to simply “CSF”)
Refer to section Sample Processing / Delivery
In-house
○ Up to 7 days ○ PCR: 1.5 hours
416-586-4800 extension 4445
NO
○ Label specimen container and outer biohazard specimen bag with printed electronic laboratory order sticker. Place specimens in biohazard bag, seal
○ Specimens can be held at room temperature (20-25˚C) after collection and transported to the UHN/SH Microbiology Laboratory ASAP after collection. Specimens should be stored at room temperature after collection if a delay is anticipated.