Laboratory Test Directory

Synonyms: Culture, CSF

CPT 4 Code: 87070

Test Order Mnemonic: C CSF

Test Includes: Gram stain, isolation and identification of bacteria.

Lab: Bacteriology

Request Form: Microbiology

Collection: Aseptic lumbar puncture.

Storage Instructions: Room temperature. Do not refrigerate.

Causes for Rejection: Insufficient quantity. If there is insufficient volume for all requested tests, the ordering physician must prioritize the orders.

Availability: Samples are accepted 24 hours per day at the Microbiology Processing Laboratory, Room 5.137 McCullough.

Turnaround Time: Preliminary report after 1 day, final report after 4 days

Special Instructions: 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.

Specimen: CSF, ventricular fluids (please specify on requisition).

Minimum Volume: 0.5 ml

Container: Sterile, leak-proof container; CSF, tube #2

Critical Values: Positive smear or culture, if occurrence

Revised 6/24/2011 by T. Friloux