CSF Culture

Pathology category

Microbiology

Code

CSF

Referral code

Request form

Test information

Specimens 1 and 3 are required by Microbiology. Contact the laboratory prior to sending, if out of hours the on-call BMS should be notified via the switchboard.

Tests performed in a UKAS Accredited Medical Laboratory No. 8873.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Specimens should be transported and processed as soon as possible. DO NOT send via the air tube.Specimens should be cultured as soon as possible after receipt, ideally within 10 minutes and a maximum of 4 hours. Cells disintegrate and delay in testing may give a cell count that does not reflect the clinical condition of the patient.If processing is delayed, refrigeration is preferable to storage at ambient temperature.

Reference range

Tube type

Tube type info

Sterile 30ml plain universal white topped

Special requirements

Transmissible spongiform encephalopathies TSE· All samples where the clinical details state TSE, CJD etc. should be treated in the same manner as other (“Universal Precautions”) plus any additional measures out lined in this document.· Use single use disposable equipment.· Where re-usable items need to be use on low risk samples the equipment will need to be soaked in laboratory disinfectant, according to the laboratorydisinfection protocol, and then cleaned and washed under running tap.

Minimum volume

At least 1 ml for routine culture. Additional 2 ml if Viral/bacterial PCR required. Note if culture for TB is required then at least another 5 � 10 ml

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

2 day negative. Positive cultures as flagged. All microscopy and positive culture results telephoned

TAT Inpatient

TAT GP/Outpatient

2 day negative. Positive cultures as flagged. All microscopy and positive culture results telephoned

Referral lab

Local