Category
Microbiology
Sub Category
Microscopy / Culture /Sensitivity (M/C/S)
Synonyms/Aliases
Spinal fluid culture and sensitivity
Abbreviations
CSF C/S; CSF M/C/S
Type
Profile/ panel (bundled tests)
5 days
Results ready in 5 days (or as soon as positive results are obtained)
Method
Culture and antibiotic sensitivity testing (where indicated) using conventional methods for identification & kirby bauer method for antibiotic susceptibility testing.
Temp
Room temperature (slides)
Setup
All working days
Pre-analytic Considerations
N/A
Components / Parameters
Pathogen isolation, identification & reporting of appropriate antibiotics as applicable
Test ordering Instructions
If being transported, csf must be stored at room temperature at room temperature and delivered immediately to the laboratory. Does not include cell counts (order separately)
Patient preparation
N / A
Sample type
C S F
Container/ preservative
Sterile Container
Sample volume
At least 0.5-1ML of csf in sterile leak proof container. If multiple tests are required, minimum is 5ml divided between 3-4 sequentially labelled tubes.
Rejection criteria
Labeling Issue (Unlabeled/ Mislabeled); Missing Request Form; Incorrect Preservative/ Container; Frozen Sample.
Other Instructions
CSF should ideally be collected in multiple tubes labeled in accordance with the collection sequence. When this is done, tube 2 is used for microbiological tests.
Reference intervals
No Growth Obtained/ No Pathogens Isolated.
Clinical Utility
CNS infections E.G. Meningitis.
Test Limitations/ Confounders
Prior antibiotic exposure, sample refrigeration may result in false negative cultures.