Bacterial Culture (CSF)

Testing Laboratory

Department

Microbiology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

CSF

Test Code (Numeric Code)

2041

Laboratory Handling

Separating

Send all CSF specimens to Microbiology for separation.

Sample Stability

24 Hours

Associated Tests

• Meningitis/Encephalitis PCR Panel (CSF)
• Mycobacterial Culture (CSF)
• Amoebic Meningoencephalitis (CSF)
• Angiostrongylus cantonensis (CSF)
• Bilirubin (CSF)

Synonyms

Cerebrospinal fluid
CSF
CSF Microscopy and culture

Turnaround Time

3 days

Cell count available within 30 minutes, Gram stain within 1 hour. All CSF specimens are treated urgently and must be delivered to the laboratory immediately.

Specimen Type

• CSF

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• CSF sterile tubes (Routine Analysis)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• CSF sterile tubes (Routine Analysis)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

1

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

0.5

Additional Specimen Information

Special sterile screw cap tubes are available and must be used.
Culture for tuberculous meningitis requires 10-20 mL of CSF (i.e. two completely filled tubes). If tuberculous meningitis is suspected, contact Microbiology about the use of PCR methods.
Other special tests (for example Cryptococcus) require 5 mL per test.
If CSF bilirubin (also known as xanthochromia) is required please collect a fourth tube with at least 1 mL of fluid. Specimen must be protected from light so wrap tube in tin foil.

Limitations / Interference

Negative results for the above tests when performed on small volumes of CSF cannot be considered conclusive.
CSF protein and glucose are listed under Protein (CSF) and Glucose (CSF). These tests are performed by the Chemical Pathology laboratory.
CSF must not be collected from collecting vessels on drainage systems.

Contact Information