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Cerebrospinal fluid


CSF
Test performed by: LabPLUS Microbiology


Specimen Collection

Special sterile screw cap tubes are available and must be used.

All CSF specimens are treated urgently and must be delivered to the laboratory immediately.

Routine examination collection requirements

Adults

3 tubes, each with 5 mL (half a tube) of CSF

Infants

3 x 1 mL of CSF

Neonates

2 x 0.5 mL of CSF

Other examination collection requirements

Notes

Cerebrospinal fluid protein analysis


Reference Intervals

Cell count

The normal white cell range for non-visibly blood stained CSF is less than 20 E+6/L for neonates and less than or equal to 5 E+6/L for all other patients.

Protein: 0.15 - 0.45 g/L

Glucose: 2.8 - 4.4 mmol/L



Turnaround Time: Within 1 hour

For cell count and Gram stain results.


Diagnostic Use and Interpretation

See also:

Amoebic meningoencephalitis

beta 2-transferrin - if you wish to identify a fluid leaking from the ears or nose as possibly being CSF

Cryptococcal Antigen

Cryptococcal Meningitis

Cytology CSF

Eosinophilic meningitis

TB meningitis

Xanthochromia


Contact Information

For further information, contact the Microbiology Department via Lablink or the Clinical Microbiologist:

Lablink contact details

Dr Sally Roberts , Microbiologist: ext 22705 Cellphone 021 674 140
Dr Sharmini Muttaiyah
, Microbiologist: ext 22700 Cellphone 021 615 892
Dr Mary de Almeida , Microbiologist: ext 22700 Cellphone 021 170 9117

Dr Matthew Blakiston , Microbiologist: contact via Lablink
Dr Veronica Playle , Microbiologist: contact via Lablink



Last updated at 15:20:33 13/10/2023