1. Obtain Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) by lumbar puncture.
2. Place CSF into screw top, sterile, leakproof tubes (MH05078) by using the sequential numbers on the side of the CSF tubes.
3. Label tube #1 for Chemistry analysis or any Immunology testing.
4. Label tube #2 for Microbiology analysis.
5. Label tube #3 (or last tube) for Hematology testing (1 mL minimum).
The first tube is used for chemical and immunologic testing, because any minimal blood contamination resulting from vessel injury during the initial tap normally do not affect these results. The second tube is used for microbial testing. The third tube is reserved for the microscopic examination of cellular components (i.e., red and white blood cell counts and wbc differentials).1
In order to obtain a pathologist’s review of the differential smear, the "Staff Pathologist Slide Review (Information Required)" area of the A-1a Pathology Doctor’s Order Form must be completed with the appropriate information.
If only a small amount of CSF is obtained and a single collection tube must be used, the ordering physician must prioritize the tests desired and record these priorities on the requisitions. With these low volume, one-tube specimens, the Microbiology Laboratory must receive the specimen first, to ensure the culturing of a sterile specimen. The Microbiology Laboratory will submit the specimen to the Hematology Laboratory for cell counts, followed by chemical and immunologic testing if sufficient volume remains.
1. Fundamentals of Urine and Body Fluid Analysis, Brunzel, Nancy A. CLS, MT, W.B. Saunders Company, 1994 p. 368.