Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a sterile plastic tube. Send to laboratory STAT.
Handling:
Cerebrospinal fluid is normally collected in sterile plastic tubes and divided among several laboratory departments. Ideally, the specimen should be kept refrigerated until the specimen reaches the laboratory, where a Wright stain preparation will be prepared for cytologic exam and any other ordered testing will be performed (cell counts, culture, glucose, and protein, etc.). The slide preparation should be within 2 hours of collection.
Standard Volume:
1 mL CSF.
Minimum Volume:
0.5 mL CSF.
Transport:
Refrigerated.
Comments:
Refer to the Surgical Pathology section of the User Guide for special specimen collection instructions.