Laboratory Test Directory

CEREBRAL SPINAL FLUID (CSF) Bacterial CULTURE (088-0056)

 Suspected CSF  infection, meningitis

 C CSF

Gram stain, culture for the isolation and identification of bacteria, includes susceptibility testing when appropriate.

 Clinical Microbiology

 2-3 Days

Specimen Preparation: Sterile container

Storage/Transport: Transport immediately, do not refrigerate

Stability: 24 hours

Causes for Rejection: Refrigerated samples, insufficient quantity for all requested tests.

 If there is an insufficient volume of CSF for the tests ordered, the ordering physician will be asked to specify the tests to be done. Place the CSF sample in a separate biohazard bag for cultures from other laboratory tests for rapid processing.

No organisms isolated

Tube #2 is requested for cultures. Positive gram stains and cultures are considered to be critical lab results and the LIP will be notified on the first occurrence.

87070- culture, 87205 - gram stain

When ordering tests for which Medicare or Medicaid reimbursement will be sought, physicians should only order tests that are medically necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of the patient.  Components of the organ or disease panels may be ordered individually.  The diagnostic information must substantiate all tests ordered and must be in the form of an ICD-9 code or its verbal equivalent.

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