| Ordering Code | 620 |
|---|---|
| Test Name | CSF Culture & Gram Stain |
| Alias | Spinal Fluid Culture & Smear Cerebrospinal Fluid Culture and Gram Stain |
| Preferred Specimen | Cerebrospinal Fluid |
| Preferred Container | Sterile CSF Collection Kit Tube |
| Other Specimen/Container | Ventricular Fluid in Sterile Container |
| Optimum Volume | 3 mL |
| Collection Instructions | Collect CSF using usual sterile precautions for lumbar puncture. CSF collection tubes should be numbered in the sequence of collection (1,2,3 etc.). The 3rd or 4th tube collected during lumbar puncture is most suitable for culture, as it will contain the least amount of skin contaminants from the puncture. |
| Handling Instructions | Send to the microbiology laboratory immediately. If transport to laboratory is delayed, hold specimen at 33 - 37 Deg C. |
| Transport Requirements | Oahu: Ambient Airline: Ambient |
| Specimen Stability | Ambient: 1 Day CSF may be kept longer at 33 - 37 Deg C. |
| Rejection Criteria | Frozen, Refrigerated, Specimen older than stability limits Note: specimens with rejection concerns will be processed upon receipt and the ordering physician consulted. |
| Avail. Stat | YES |
| Analytic Time | Up to 5 Days Smear results are available STAT. Preliminary culture results at 24 and 48 hours. Additional time is required for identification &/or susceptibility if culture is positive. |
| Methodology | Visual examination of bacterial growth on/in non-selective media. Microscopic examination of sediment smear for bacteria and differentiation using a gram stain. |
Reference range(s)
The reference ranges listed below are valid on this date of May 18, 2025.
| Component | Age | Male Norm | Male Critical Low | Male Critical High | Female Norm | Female Critical High | Female Critical Low | Units | Add'l info |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gram Stain | ALL | See report. | |||||||
| Report Status: | ALL | See report. | |||||||
| Culture | ALL | See report. |