Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
CSFCerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Specimen Volume
MC&S: minimum vol. of 0.5mL required. For TB PCR/culture: minimum of 10.0mL.s required.Specimen Transport
Samples must be sent with a porter. CSF samples must not be sent via the Sample Delivery System, (SDS).Turnaround Time
Microscopy: ASAP Culture: within 5 Working Days.Sample Stability
If transport is delayed, sample should be stored at ambient room temperatureGeneral Information
- In suspected cases of meningitis or where urgent analysis is required, CSF should be sent immediately to the laboratory in a sterile universal container.
- A cell count and Gram film will be carried out and reported to the requesting clinician as a priority. If TB, viral or parasitic investigations are required, this should be clearly stated on the request form.
- If subarachnoid haemorrhage is suspected, the first and third samples should be sent, (examination for Xanthachromia is performed by Biochemistry).
Results: For routine CSF samples, microscopy results will be released to PICS as soon as analysis has been completed. Final culture reports are issued within 5 working days. Please discuss with the Clinical Microbiologist or Virologist if further test required.
Information Sharing: If your sample needs to be referred or a notifiable disease is detected from your sample, your details and sample may be shared with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). This is a legal requirement. The UKHSA is sponsored by the Department of Health and Social Care.
Patient Preparation
Samples that are heavily blood stained or clotted will not be counted.
Specifications
- EQA Status: Enrolled to UK NEQAS scheme
- EQAS Scheme: Yes