Cerebrospinal Fluid

Testing Laboratory

Department

Cytology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MW Non gynae

Test Code (Numeric Code)

9700

Laboratory Handling

Transport

Ambient 22-25 °C

Sample Stability

Consult with the laboratory

Synonyms

Brain cyst fluid cytology
CSF cytology
Cytology - Cerebrospinal fluid
Cytology - CSF

Turnaround Time

5 days

80% completed within 5 days

Specimen Type

• CSF

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Acceptable

• Specimen Container

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Specimen Container

Pre-testing Requirements

Specimens MUST be properly labelled with patient details - full name and NHI or full name and date of birth, and accompanied with a matching request form.
Send to lab within one hour of being tapped

Test Method

Fresh CSF specimens are processed urgently due to rapid cellular degradation. Samples are concentrated (e.g. cytocentrifugation), and slides are prepared and stained using routine cytological stains (e.g. Papanicolaou and/or Romanowsky stains). Microscopic examination is performed under a microscope by cytology staff and reported by a pathologist. Ancillary testing (e.g. immunocytochemistry or flow cytometry) may be performed where indicated.

Uncertainty of Measurement

Uncertainty of measurement is not applicable to Non Gynaecological Cytology as this is a qualitative, interpretative test.

Test adding Cytology can be done for up to 7 days on the original specimen, BUT delays in fixation may make cytological examination and interpretation difficult. A repeat sample may be advisable in this situation, if easily obtainable.

Samples are stored in a refrigerator until reported (usually within 7 days) before being discarded.

Resources

• APSMGMTCUSTIN012 Eligibility Requirements for Laboratory Referrals
• NREGLLIN002 Completing a Lab Request Form

Contact Information