CSF – Microscopy and Culture

Microbiology

Summary

Analysis of CSF for bacterial infection:

Microscopy – cell count (& gram stain if needed)
Culture

Click here for CSF Viral PCR

Usage

Diagnosis of meningitis / encephalitis

Specimen

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)

Specimen container

Sterile white top universal pot

How To Request On EPIC

For electronic requesting using EPIC (RDUH ONLY):

Search for: ‘CSF MC&S‘ or test code ‘LAB212‘

Special Instructions

Please send first and third specimens to Microbiology (Clearly label each container)

Gram stains will only be performed if there is a raised white blood cell count – outside of the normal range (see table below.)

Transport to the laboratory

Specimens where possible should be taken prior to commencement of antibiotic therapy, and should reach microbiology within 2 hours. Do not refrigerate specimen until after microscopy and bacterial culture have been performed.

If you are taking an urgent CSF out of hours – please call a porter for immediate transport to the laboratory and contact the On Call Microbiology Biomedical Scientist through the hospital switchboard for urgent microscopy.

Samples taken after 4am will be processed at 8am if labelled “urgent”, and need not be telephoned.