CSF Culture with Gram Stain
General Information
Lab Name
CSF C/S with Gram
Lab Code
CSFC
Epic Name
Culture CSF w/Gram
Description
This test is intended for the aerobic culture of CSF specimens from lumbar punctures. For CSF obtained from shunts, or from subdural, subgaleal, subarachnoid, or meningomyelocele sites, or if aerobic and anaerobic culture is required, see CSF Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity (Special Anaerobic) with Gram Stain [CSFANC].
For other sterile site body fluids (not urine or blood), see Place Holder for Body Fluid Bacterial Culture and Sensitivity with Gram Stain (includes anaerobes) [FLDPHC].
Note: ADDCON fee is added for concentration of specimens >2 mL (UW-MT) and >1 mL (HMC).
Synonyms
Cerebrospinal Fluid Bacterial Culture, CSF Bacterial Culture, Shunt Bacterial Culture
Components
| Code | Name |
|---|---|
| SDES | Specimen Description |
| SREQ | Special Requests |
| GS | Gram Smear |
| CULT | Culture |
| RPT | Report Status |
Interpretation
Reference Range
See individual components
Ordering & Collection
Specimen Type
Collection
Submit SPINAL FLUID in sterile tube(s) or syringe with needle removed and syringe capped.
Specimens will be rejected if received > 24 hours after collection. Viability of organisms is significantly reduced after 24 hours.
Handling Instructions
Indicate source of fluid, e.g. lumbar puncture, ventriculostomy, meningomyelocele.
Transport to the laboratory within 1 hour of collection at room temperature.
Note: Never refrigerate CSF because Neisseria meningitidis is susceptible to cold.
Quantity
requested: 1 - 5 mL CSF
minimum: 1 mL CSF
Processing
CSFC is always considered a STAT test.
If specimen is labeled ventricular, subdural, subgaleal, subarachnoid, meningomyelocele, shunt, or if aerobic and anaerobic culture is requested, log in CSFANC.
Also log in ADDCON for specimen concentration if >2 mL volume (UW-MT) or >1 mL (HMC).
Performance
LIS Dept Code
Microbiology (MC)
Performing Location(s)
| HMC |
Microbiology
206-744-5858 325 9th Ave, Rm # GWH-47, Seattle, WA 98104-2420 |
|
|---|---|---|
| UW-MT |
Microbiology
206-520-4600 Clinical Lab, Room # NW177, |
Other Locations/Notes
UW-MT Microbiology performs testing for UW-MT and UW-NW.
Frequency
Processed upon receipt
Available STAT?
Yes-Gram stain