CSF Virology

Specimen

CSF

Specimen container

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Test Usage

• Diagnosis of Viral encephalitis / Meningitis
• Please state which condition you suspect when sending request.
• Please state if patient is immunocompromised as additional testing may be indicated
• Tests undertaken routinely on these samples are:
• HSV (Herpes simplex) 1 & 2
• VZV (Varicella zoster)
• Enterovirus
• Parechovirus
• All tests are molecular (PCR assays)

Availability

Local test

Processing Time

2 – 3 days

Urgent Specimen Instructions

All positives will be phoned to requesting clinician as soon as possible