Test Directory
Cerebrospinal fluid - Routine M, C & S at SJH
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
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP
Transport arrangements
Transport as soon as is practicable.
Sample storage arrangements
If delay in transporting to lab, store at room temperature. Do not put CSF samples for Bacteriology in the out of hours Microbiology fridge at SJH.
Special instructions for collection
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, culture and sensitivity and send container 2 to virology (for PCR) and 4 to biochemistry (for protein, glucose +/- xanthochromia +/- lactate). Ensure a paired serum glucose (+/- lactate) is also sent to allow interpretation of the CSF glucose (+/- lactate).
How to request
Via TRAK (C&S - CSF) or request form. Separate labels are required for each sample bottle. Contact the lab (as per 'Availability' information) to ensure sample is received and processed urgently.
Availability
The SJH Microbiology Laboratory is open:
0900 - 1700 Mon - Fri, 0900-1600 Sat and Sun.
For CSF samples collected during the above opening times
Once CSF sample is taken
1) Contact the Microbiology Lab at SJH on ext. 53077 or 53080 to alert them that a sample has been collected (giving patient and contact details);
2) Hand deliver sample directly to the Microbiology Lab at SJH;
3) If sample has not arrived within half an hour of phoning, the laboratory will chase up the sample.
CSF samples taken outwith the SJH microbiology lab opening times above
Once CSF sample is taken
1) Contact the SJH Biochemistry Lab on bleep 3728 to alert them a sample is coming (giving patient and contact details).
2) Additionally, contact Microbiology BMS at Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (RIE) on Ext 26021 or Bleep 2900
3) Hand deliver sample to the Biochemistry Lab at SJH who will arrange transport for the sample to the microbiology lab at the RIE.
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
This test is useful for:
analysis of CSF including culture and sensitivity for diagnosis of bacterial or fungal meningitis or encephalitis.
If the patient is immunocompromised, further tests can be discussed with the clinical 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, virology, mycobacteriology (TB).