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Test Code 8919 Culture (CSF)

Important Note

Specimen must arrive within 15 minutes of collection. 

Purpose

Culturing of cerebrospinal fluid can lead to identification of various pathogens and is essential testing in suspected cases of meningitis.

 

Performing Laboratory

Copley Hospital

 

Methodology

Conventional Culture Technique

 

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type:        Cerebrospinal Fluid
Container/Tube:       Sterile Vials
Specimen Volume:   Routine Culture: 1 - 2 mL

                                      Fungal, Mycobacterial, or Viral Culture: 5 - 10 mL

 

Collection Instructions:

1. Label specimen with patient’s full name, date of birth,

    date & time of collection, and person collecting.

2. Obtain specimen through lumbar puncture.

3. Transport specimen to laboratory immediately

    at room temperature.

 

Reference Values

Normal:           No Growth

Critical:            Pathogen Detected

 

Pathogens:     Haemophilus influenzae

                           Strep pneumoniae

                           Neisseria meningitidis

                           Listeria monocytogenes

                           Cryptococcus neoformans

                           Gram Negative Rods

                           Staphylococci

                           Grp B Beta Streptococcus

                           Pasteurella multocida

 

Stability

Room Temperature: 15 Minutes

 

Day(s) Performed

Daily

Processed STAT

Analytical Time: 3 Days

 

Aliases

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Spinal Fluid

Culture

CSF

 

Test Classification & CPT Coding

87070 - Culture

87205 - Gram stain