Clinical Evaluation of the FilmArray® Meningitis/Encephalitis (ME) Panel

The FilmArray ME pouch is a closed system disposable that houses all the chemistry required to isolate, amplify and detect nucleic acid from multiple meningitis and encephalitis pathogens within a single CSF specimen obtained from a lumbar puncture. The rigid plastic component (fitment) of the FilmArray ME pouch contains reagents in freeze-dried form. The flexible plastic portion of the pouch is divided into discrete segments (blisters) where the required chemical processes are carried out. The user of the FilmArray ME Panel loads the sample into the FilmArray ME pouch, places the pouch into the FilmArray instrument/Module, and starts the run. All other operations are automated.