Cerebrospinal Fluid - Biochemistry Test | Austin Pathology

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Cerebrospinal Fluid - Biochemistry

Alternate Names	CSF
Ordering Information	Please state individual tests required. If "CSF Biochemistry" is requested, only glucose and total protein will be tested.
Laboratory	Biochemistry
Specimen	CSF See collection instructions
Container	Sterile CSF tube
Collection Instructions	Send to the laboratory as soon as possible
Additional Collection Instructions	CSF samples should be sent to the laboratory immediately. Ensure all caps are screwed on correctly to avoid leakage. If a Xanthochromic Index is required, an additional 1 mL into a 4th CSF tube must be collected. This tube must be protected from the light by wrapping in foil completely, as the bilirubin and its breakdown products (biliverdin & Bilirubin conjugates) are photosensitive. Failure to wrap a sample in foil may produce falsely negative results. In neonates and infants a minimum of 300µL is required for Xanthochromia Index.
Minimum Adult Volume	None
Minimum Paediatric Volume	None
Frequency	Daily

These PDF documents can be downloaded for your reference

Order of Draw (PDF)

Swab Collection Guide (PDF)

Pre-Transfusion Specimen Requirements (PDF)

Requirements for Pathology Service (PDF)

Test Code	CSFB
Container ID	CSF1
Laboratory Notes	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