Test Directory
Cerebrospinal fluid Routine C & S at WGH
Containers - Adult
Plain Sterile Universal Container
|
Volume Range
1-3ml
Additive per Container
NONE |
Laboratory Site
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA
Edinburgh
EH4 2XU
Transport arrangements
Transport as soon as is practicable.
Sample storage arrangements
If delay in transporting to lab, store at room temperature.
Special instructions for collection
Please send separate samples for cell count/microscopy (processed in Haematology at WGH) and culture and sensitivity (processed in microbiology at RIE). For investigation of CNS infection, please send four routine sterile containers with CSF, labelled in sequential order of collection. Send container 1 to to biochemistry (cell count, protein and glucose +/- xanthochromia), 2 to haematology for cell count, 3 to microbiology (RIE) for culture and 4 to virology (at RIE for PCR). 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
CSF Microscopy is available 24/7 at the Haematology laboratory at the Western General Hospital.
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 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. Haematology, biochemistry, microbiology, mycobacteria, pathology.
Culture and Gram stain performed at RIE Bacteriology. Please send a separate sample to Bacteriology at RIE.