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

CSF, Cerebrospinal Fluid

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,
University of Washington Medical Center,
1959 NE Pacific street, Seattle, WA 98195

Other Locations/Notes

UW-MT Microbiology performs testing for UW-MT and UW-NW.

Frequency

Processed upon receipt

Available STAT?

Yes-Gram stain

Billing & Coding

CPT codes

87015, 87070, 87205

Billing Comments

CPT for ADDCON 87015

LOINC

606-4