Cerebrospinal Fluid Findings Are Poor Predictors of Appropriate FilmArray Meningitis/Encephalitis Panel Utilization in Pediatric Patients.

Molecular testing of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) using the BioFire FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis (FA-M/E) panel permits rapid, simultaneous pathogen detection. Due to the broad spectrum of targeted organisms, FA-M/E testing may be restricted to patients with abnormal CSF findings. We sought to determine if restriction is appropriate in our previously healthy and/or immunocompromised pediatric patients.