Advanced Diagnostic Laboratories

Cerebrospinal Fluid Culture

Test Code

CXCSF

Description

Cerebrospinal fluid culture is used to determine the causative agent of bacterial meningitis. This test includes a Gram stain and culture.

Specimens sent under anaerobic condition will be cultured for aerobic and anaerobic pathogens. Specimens not sent under anaerobic conditions will only be examined for aerobic pathogens.
Organisms seen in the Gram stain or recovered in culture from a sterile source are considered a critical result. Critical results are called to the ordering physician in accordance with the NJH critical policy.

Collect

Lumbar Puncture: Disinfect the puncture site with antiseptic solution and alcohol to prevent contamination. Insert a needle with stylet between L1-L12 to L4-L15 interspace. When subarachniod space is reached, remove the stylet and spinal fluid will appear in the needle hub.

Ommaya reservoir fluid or ventricular shunt fluid: Clean the reservoir site with antiseptic solution and alcohol prior to removal of fluid. Aspirate CSF from reservoir or shunt drain.

Preferred volume: 3 mL
Minimum volume: 0.3 mL

Patient Prep

Avoid antibiotic administration prior to sample collection.

Unacceptable Conditions

Specimens that do not meet the minimum volume requirement
Swabs
Non-sterile containers
Any container with preservatives
Specimens that are not an acceptable source for this testing
Specimens that are excessively leaking
Mislabeled or unlabeled specimen (exception with attestation)

Stability

For optimal recovery of potential pathogens, specimens should arrive as soon as possible at room temperature (20-25°C)
If transportation is delayed, specimens may remain at room temperature (20-25°C) for a maximum of 24 hours

Notes

Specimens will be processed with a disclaimer if the specimen was received in suboptimal conditions.

Performed

7 days a week from 8am to 6pm

Methodology

Conventional culture

Turnaround Time

4-7 days

Department

Microbiology Lab

Synonyms

Anaerobic and aerobic culture

Study Offerings

Not offered