Specimen Stability (for laboratory use only)
Collection Container
Sterile screw-capped container
Service Code:
LBC00212
Collection Instructions:
Indicate whether CSF is drawn from a lumbar OR ventricular puncture OR a shunt.
1. Obtain 3 sterile screw-capped containers, and label the containers as #1, #2 and #3:
- #1 will contain CSF drawn at the start,
- #2 the middle part,
- #3 the end of collection.
2. Send specimen to the laboratory immediately.
Microbiology prefers #3 container, as #1 container is most likely to contain contaminants. If #3 is unavailable, Microbiology will accept #1 or #2 container.
1. Obtain 3 sterile screw-capped containers, and label the containers as #1, #2 and #3:
- #1 will contain CSF drawn at the start,
- #2 the middle part,
- #3 the end of collection.
2. Send specimen to the laboratory immediately.
Microbiology prefers #3 container, as #1 container is most likely to contain contaminants. If #3 is unavailable, Microbiology will accept #1 or #2 container.
Unacceptable Conditions:
CSF in preservative
CSF in blood culture bottles
CSF in blood culture bottles
Specimen Stability:
Ambient
4 hours
Refrigerate
Frozen
Reflex Tests:
N.A.
Performance
Turn Around Time:
3 days
Days Test Performed:
Testing Laboratory:
Woodlands Hospital Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Medical Microbiology
Clinical & Interpretative
Description:
Methodology:
Conventional culture with direct Gram stain of specimen
Reference Interval:
No growth on Day 2
Critical Values:
Requesting clinician/location will be informed of positive result
