Test Directory
Cerebrospinal fluid - M, C & S at RIE, RHCYP and DCN (and all sites OOH)
Containers - Adult
Plain Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
0.5-3ml
Additive per Container
NONE |
Containers - Child
|
Plain Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
As adult |
Laboratory Site
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Transport arrangements
Microscopy for cell count must be performed within 2 hours of specimen collection; please transport to lab as soon as possible.
Sample storage arrangements
If delay in transporting to lab at RIE, store at room temperature.
Special instructions for collection
Analysis of CSF including culture and sensitivity may be useful in the diagnosis of bacterial or fungal meningitis or encephalitis.
For investigation of CNS infection, please send four routine sterile containers with CSF, labelled in sequential order of collection. Send container 1 and 3 to microbiology for cell counts and culture and send container 2 to virology (for PCR) and 4 biochemistry (for protein and glucose +/- xanthochromia). Ensure a paired serum glucose is also sent to allow interpretation of the CSF glucose.
How to request
Via TRAK (C&S - CSF) or request form
Availability
24 hours
Anticipated turnaround
Microscopy within 30 minutes of receipt. Culture: up to 4 days.
What happens if the result is positive or abnormal
Microscopy telephoned by BMS staff. Abnormal or positive results phoned by microbiologist.
General additional information
If the patient is immunocompromised, further tests can be discussed with a microbiologist. Do not send samples through pneumatic tube system, deliver precious samples by hand. Separate samples should be taken for each discipline required e.g. Biochemistry, microbiology, pathology, mycobacteria.