Cerebrospinal Fluid

Overview
Department	Microbiology
Test Code	CSF
Synonyms	Cerebrospinal fluid CSF cytology Cytology - Cerebrospinal fluid Cytology - CSF
Availability	Monday - Sunday, testing routinely available out of hours
Turnaround Time	Microscopy, Glucose, and Protein 1 – 2 hours Culture 1-2 days
Stability - Add test
Specimen Requirements
Specimen	Fluid
Preferred	CSF in sterile container(s) - see comment
Acceptable
Unacceptable
Specimen Transportation	Immediately to lab
Paediatric Requirements	CSF in sterile container(s)
Aliquot Requirements
Sample
Preferred Volume
Minimum Volume
Aliquot Transportation
Clinical Information
Reference Intervals
Test Method	Microscopy and culture.
Advanced Notice	Not Required
Patient Preparation	Not Required
Comments
NOTE: Please state if ?SAH / ?Haemorrhage  Three samples are required in sterile bottles, one for culture and cell counts, one for biochemistry and the third for any further testing. A volume of 2-4 mL should be collected. If cytology for malignant cells is also required, the third bottle is used.

Owner	Melanie Williams (Williams1)
Last reviewed	12.09.2025
Next review	12.09.2026 (Overdue)