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Test Code CSF Culture, Spinal Fluid

Methodology

Conventional Culture Technique

Includes Gram stain.

Note:  1. Culture, spinal fluid is not included in the spinal fluid analysis workup; it must be ordered separately.

2. If 1 or more pathogens are isolated, antibiotic sensitivities (minimum inhibitory concentration) will be performed at an additional charge for each pathogen.

Performing Laboratory

Aspen Valley Hospital

Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive immediately after collection.

 

1. Aseptically collect 1 mL (minimum volume:  0.5) of spinal fluid by lumbar puncture. (Specimen submitted in non-sterile container or specimen delayed >4 hours [unless collected on BBLTM CultureSwabTM Plus] is not acceptable.)

2. Place specimen into 4 screw-capped, sterile vials. Label vials sequentially. Physician should designate which number tube should be used for culture. Tube #2 is suggested.

3. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

4. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only.

Note:  1. Collect before start of antibiotic therapy whenever possible.

2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Reference Values

No pathogens isolated

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87071 - culture

87205 - Gram stain

87186 - antimicrobial susceptibility (if appropriate)