The FDA has approved marketing for the first "cerebrospinal fluid nucleic acid-based test for simultaneous detection of multiple pathogens that can cause central nervous system infections," according to HHS.
Called the FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel, the fluid is intended to test for 14 bacterial, viral and yeast pathogens with a CSF sample. The test should be able to yield results in an hour.
The FDA emphasizes this test is not a replacement for standard CSF bacterial and fungal cultures, but rather an addition.
BioFire Diagnostics in Salt Lake City manufactures the FilmArray ME Panel.