| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
| Web: | mayocliniclabs.com |
|---|---|
| Email: | mcl@mayo.edu |
| Telephone: | 800-533-1710 |
| International: | +1 855-379-3115 |
| Values are valid only on day of printing | |
Central nervous system (CNS) infections, among them meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscesses, can be devastating to affected patients and are associated with substantial mortality and long-term effects.1 Treatment for certain infections is available. Identifying the type of infection through accurate laboratory diagnosis can lead to ideal outcomes.
The broad range of pathogenic causes for CNS infections, which include bacteria, fungi, viruses, and parasites, can present a diagnostic challenge.
Metagenomics Test menu
When first-line testing approaches, including culture and antigen staining, and other advanced testing methods, such as a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) panel, fail to yield a diagnosis, our metagenomic assay can offer precision answers to guide care.
Shotgun metagenomic sequencing holistically sequences all the DNA and RNA present in cerebrospinal fluid. Bioinformatic analysis of those sequences identifies the presence of all pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, parasites, and fungi. Our world-renowned clinical microbiology physicians interpret results and provide clinical consultation, as needed. A broad menu of microbiology tests is immediately available to confirm or follow up on unusual or confusing findings.
More information
Certain clinical diagnostic methods, such as culture and specific PCR assays, are limited in the ability to detect nonviable organisms or nucleic acids not targeted by specific assays, respectively. Unbiased metagenomic sequencing overcomes diagnostic test limitations by interrogating microbiota without bias toward viable or specific microorganism(s).
Key testing
Highlights
Central nervous system infections, such as meningitis and encephalitis, can be devastating for affected patients. While specific treatments are available for some of these infections, it first requires identifying the precise cause of infection. To meet that need, Mayo Clinic Laboratories has developed a metagenomics assay that can identify more than 1,000 pathogenic organisms in cerebrospinal fluid. The innovative assay, which uses an approach known as shotgun metagenomic sequencing, is one of the only such tests currently available.
Robin Patel, M.D., explains how a new Mayo Clinic Laboratories' assay can identify central nervous system pathogens that standard tests fail to detect. Rapid, precise diagnosis is essential to preventing long-term effects from these infections.