Test Code LAB12016 CSF Culture with Gram Stain
Department
MICROBIOLOGY
Collection Requirements
Order STAT.
Use CSF collection kit.
Submit to lab within 1 hour of collection.
Primary Collection Container
CSF Collection Kit
Alternate Collection Container
Sterile Container
Transport
Ambient
Preferred Transport Temperature
Ambient
Processing
Submit tube #3 for culture.
Stability
Ambient: 1 hour
Minimum Testing Volume
1.0 mL
Reference Range
No Growth
Methodology
Culture
Performed
Sunday – Saturday
Reported
6 days
CPT Codes
87070; 87205; Identification and susceptability tests are billed separately from culture.
Unacceptable Conditions
Prompt transport is critical, fastidious organisms such as Haemophilus influenzae and Neisseria meningitidis may not survive storage or variations in temperature.
Additional Information
If only 3 tubes are collected, use tube # 2 for culture.
Includes gram stain, it does not need to be ordered separately.