Microbiology
CSF – Microscopy and Culture
Specimen
Cerebrospinal fluid
Specimen container
Sterile white top universal pot
Special Instructions
Please send first and third specimens to Microbiology
Transport to the laboratory
CSF specimens for microbiology can be sent in the pneumatic tube system (POD) during 9am – 5pm
If you are taking an urgent CSF out of hours – please call a porter for immediate transport to the old pathology building and contact the On Call Microbiology Biomedical Scientist through the hospital switchboard for urgent microscopy. 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.
Samples taken after 4am will be processed at 8am if labelled “urgent”, and need not be telephoned.
Test Usage
Diagnosis of meningitis / encephalitis
Availability
Local test for bacterial tests – microscopy, cell count, gram staining & culture.
Reference Laboratory
Cryptococcal antigen sent to ref lab.
Processing Time
Please phone the laboratory if urgent microscopy results are required (except between 4am and 8am).
