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Test Code CSF CX Spinal Fluid Culture

Test Order Code

LAB268

Methodology

Presumptive and definitive identification of microorganisms by Gram stain and colony morphology growth on selective media and biochemical panels.Includes Gram stain. Includes susceptibilities as needed at an additional charge.

Performing Laboratory

Sky Lakes Medical Center-Microbiology

Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive in laboratory within 30 minutes of collection. Specimen Type: Spinal fluidContainer/Tube: Sterile vialsSpecimen Volume:A minimum of 1 to 2 mL for routine culture and 5 to 10 mL for fungal, mycobacterial, and viral cultureCollection Instructions: 1.Specimen source is required.2. Collect specimen by lumbar puncture.>3. Divide specimen into 3 or 4 specimens (each containing 1-2 mL).4. Label vials sequentially. Tube #3 is generally used for microbiology testing.5.Label each vial with patient’s name (first and last), medical record number or date of birth, specimen source, date and time of collection, and order in which vials were collected.

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient/Refrigerate NO

Reference Values

No growth at 4 days>Critical value (automatic call-back):all positives

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through SundayGram stain performed STAT

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87070-Culture>87205-Gram stain