Impact of the FilmArray meningitis/encephalitis panel on antimicrobial duration among patients with suspected central nervous system infection

•Use of the FilmArray meningitis and encephalitis panel was associated with shortened cerebrospinal fluid testing turnaround time.•Shortened turnaround did not consistently result in reduced antimicrobial duration.•Involvement of antimicrobial stewardship programs may optimize FilmArray meningitis and encephalitis outcomes. Ten controlled studies evaluated antimicrobial use following implementation of the FilmArray meningitis and encephalitis panel versus usual care. Only one-half of studies identified significant reductions in antibiotic duration, with 8/10 reporting modest reductions for acyclovir. Coupling the FilmArray meningitis and encephalitis panel with interventions by antimicrobial stewardship programs may help enhance its clinical impact.