Department
Chemical Pathology, Microbiology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
CSFX
Test Code (Numeric Code)
1191
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
Xanthochromia URGENT CSF
Transport
Please sent to Microbiology first for registration and separation.
Registration
Microbiology will register for Xanthochromia and send a CSF tube wrapped in tinfoil to Specimen Services staff.
Separating
The first 3 are for routine microbiology. The 4th tube is for bilirubin; the sample should be a minimum of 1 mL and light-protected. During normal working hours - hand deliver to Special Techniques. After hours - hand to Automation staff.
Sample Stability
24 hours
Associated Tests
Synonyms
Xanthochromia
Turnaround Time
3 hours
Specimen Type
- CSF
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- CSF sterile tubes (Routine Analysis)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
1
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
0.5
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- CSF sterile tubes (Routine Analysis)
Pre-testing Requirements
Lumbar puncture: Collect 4 tubes
Additional Specimen Information
Sample must be protected from light - wrap sample in tin foil.
Visual inspection for xanthochromia will be performed on all CSF samples in the Microbiology laboratory.
Spectrophotometry will be performed on all samples when "xanthochromia" is specifically requested, or when "? subarachnoid haemorrhage" is stated as clinical information on the request form.
If the patient has had recent neurosurgery please write "recent neurosurgery" on the form to avoid this test being performed unnecessarily.
Last updated: 31/03/2026