CSF Xanthochromia (Spectrophotometry)

Pathology category

Biochemistry

Code

CSFA

Referral code

Request form

Test information

Investigation of possible subarachnoid haemorrhage, following negative CT

CSF sample should be collected at least 12h post event and ideally 4th sample used for xanthochromia analysis.

A serum sample for total protein and bilirubin analysis is also required for interpretation.

Guidelines

Pre-analytical

Sample must be protected from light immediately and sent to the laboratory asap

Airtube should NOT be used to transport samples

Reference range

See report

Tube type

Tube type info

CSF sample in plain universal

Serum sample for total protein and bilirubin analysis in SST tube

Special requirements

Sample must be protected from light immediately and sent to the laboratory asap

Airtube should NOT be used to transport samples

Minimum volume

Minimum CSF sample volume required is 200 ul

Assay frequency

TAT Inpatient (urgent)

TAT Inpatient

24 hrs

TAT GP/Outpatient

N/A

Referral lab

Local, Clinical Biochemistry