Austin Pathology

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Cerebrospinal Fluid PCR (CSF)

Alternate Names
CSF PCR, Enterovirus PCR on CSF, Enterovirus NAD CSF, EVPCR, ENV PCR, Epstein Barr virus (EBV) PCR on CSF, Epstein Barr Virus NAD CSF, Herpes Simplex NAD CSF, Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) PCR on CSF, Herpes Simplex Virus 2 PCR (HSV-2) on CSF, Mycobacterium tuberculosis PCR on CSF, TB, TB PCR, Mycobacterium tuberculosis NAD, Neisseria meningitidis PCR on CSF, NM, NM PCR, Meningitis PCR, Varicella zoster virus (VZV) PCR on CSF, VZV PCR, Varicella Zoster NAD CSF, Parechovirus PCR on CSF, Meningococcal NAD CSF
Test Code
CSFPCR
Testing Laboratory
Molecular Diagnostics - Infectious
Specimen Type

CSF

Container Type

Sterile CSF Tube

Medicare Rebate

Yes

Out of Pocket Costs
None
Ordering Information

This test will detect and identify one or more of:

  • Herpes Simplex Virus 1 (HSV-1) DNA
  • Herpes Simplex Virus 2 (HSV-2) DNA
  • Varicella Zoster Virus (VZV) DNA
  • Enterovirus RNA
  • Parechovirus RNA
  • Neisseria Meningitidis DNA
  • Mycobacterium Tuberculosis DNA
  • Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) DNA

This PCR is only performed on CSF and EVD (extraventricular drain) and only after review of the cell count and the clinical notes.


If this test is urgent, please contact the Medical Microbiologist on 03 9496 5964 or Molecular Diagnostics Laboratory on 03 9496 5657.

Collection Instructions

CSF samples should be sent to the laboratory immediately. Ensure all caps are screwed on correctly to avoid leakage & sterility. 

Transport Instructions
Transport ambient at room temperature
Storage Instructions
Store refrigerated at 4°C
Testing Frequency
As Required
Min Test Volume
300uL
Add On Test Suitability

This test can be added up to 7 days from collection, subject to sample availability. 

Container ID
CMOL, CSF3, CSF2, CSF1
Laboratory Instructions

Instructions for: Metropolitan & Regional Specimen Receptions 

CSF samples should be handled urgently. 

Where there are multiple tubes from a lumbar puncture: 

  • Tube 3 is for Microbiology and 1, 2 for Biochemistry, Cytology, etc. (If tube 3 is not available for Microbiology, send tube 2) 
  • If tap is traumatic (blood-stained), 1 and 3 go to Microbiology for cell counts. 

If insufficient tubes are received for the tests requested, please contact the Medical Microbiologist or Registrar (03 9496 5964).

Accredited Test
Yes