Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube Type: 

Sterile CSF Container

Collection Information: 

Cerebrospinal Spinal Fluid

Transport Information: 

3.0 mL fluid. Aseptic technique must be used in obtaining, and transport of specimen. If unusual, fastidious, or slow-growing organisms are suspected, inform Microbiology. Be sure to comment if specific organisms are suspected. A gram stain is routinely performed on this specimen type. Transport to the laboratory immediately.

Remarks: 

Identification and susceptibility tests are billed separately from culture.

Unacceptable Conditions: 

Specimen in a nonsterile container, more than 2 hours old or Does not meet collection, storage or transport requirements. For hard to collect specimens, consult the Microbiology Manager before rejecting.

Stability Comments: 

Submit samples at ambient temperature only.