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
-
Culture for tuberculous meningitis requires 10-20 mL of CSF (i.e. two completely filled tubes). If tuberculous meningitis is suspected, contact Microbiology about the use of PCR methods.
-
Other special tests (for example Cryptococcus) require 5 mL per test.
-
If CSF bilirubin (also known as xanthochromia) is required please collect a
fourth
tube with at least 1 mL of fluid. Specimen must be
protected from light
so wrap tube in tin foil.
Notes
-
Negative results for the above tests when performed on small volumes of CSF cannot be considered conclusive.
-
CSF protein and glucose are listed under Protein (CSF) and Glucose (CSF). These tests are performed by the Chemical Pathology laboratory.
-
CSF must not be collected from collecting vessels on drainage systems.
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