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Medical information Clinical review pending

Neurology

Me Meningoencephalitis Panel CSF Test

The Me Meningoencephalitis Panel CSF Test helps identify pathogens causing meningitis and encephalitis by analysing cerebrospinal fluid. It detects 14 bacteria, fungi, and viruses.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
1 mL (0.5 mL minimum) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a sterile, screw-capped container.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
No special patient preparation is required. Ensure the CSF sample is collected and handled according to standard laboratory protocols.
Test priceKSh 54,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Me Meningoencephalitis Panel CSF Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Suspected meningitis
  • ✓Suspected encephalitis
  • ✓Severe headache
  • ✓Stiff neck
  • ✓Fever with neurological symptoms
  • ✓Altered mental status
  • ✓Seizures
  • ✓Immunocompromised patients with neurological symptoms
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis of meningitis and encephalitis by identifying the specific bacterial, fungal, or viral pathogen responsible for the infection in the cerebrospinal fluid. This information is critical for guiding appropriate antimicrobial therapy and managing patient care.
The Me Meningoencephalitis Panel CSF Test is a diagnostic procedure used to detect multiple pathogens in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This test is crucial for diagnosing meningitis (inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord) and encephalitis (inflammation of the brain itself). Prompt diagnosis is essential as these conditions can be serious.

This comprehensive panel screens for a range of infectious agents, including specific bacteria, fungi, and viruses known to cause central nervous system infections. Identifying the specific pathogen allows healthcare providers to initiate targeted treatment quickly.

The test detects 14 pathogens:

* Bacteria: E.coli K1, Haemophilus influenza, Listeria monocytogenes, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B), Streptococcus pneumoniae * Fungi: Cryptococcus neoformans/gatti * Viruses: Cytomegalovirus (CMV), Enterovirus, Herpes simplex type 1 (HSV-1), Herpes simplex type 2 (HSV-2), Human Herpes Virus 6 (HHV-6), Human Parechovirus, Varicella zoster virus (VZV)

This test is recommended for individuals experiencing symptoms suggestive of meningitis or encephalitis, such as severe headache, stiff neck, fever, altered mental status, or seizures. People with weakened immune systems or recent infections may also benefit from this testing.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationNo special patient preparation is required. Ensure the CSF sample is collected and handled according to standard laboratory protocols.
Sample1 mL (0.5 mL minimum) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a sterile, screw-capped container.
MethodologyMolecular methods (e.g., PCR) are used to detect the genetic material of the specified pathogens in the CSF sample.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects specific pathogens included in the panel. It may not identify all possible causes of meningitis or encephalitis. Results must be interpreted in the clinical context by a qualified healthcare professional. The test's accuracy depends on proper sample collection and handling.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord, often caused by infection.
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain tissue itself, also frequently caused by infection.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Testing CSF allows direct detection of pathogens causing infections in the central nervous system.
CSF is typically collected via a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), a procedure performed by a healthcare professional.
The sample should be shipped refrigerated and not frozen. Please follow specific laboratory instructions for transport.
Confirm turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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