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Test Code CCSF Culture, Spinal Fluid

Additional Codes

  • Expanse Test Name:Culture w/Gram St CSF
  • Medinet Ref Code:CCSF
  • OV Code:RM*CCSF

Performing Laboratory

St. Lukes Hospital Laboratory

Methodology

Conventional Culture

Includes a Gram stain. Identification and susceptibilities are performed on all positive cultures at an additional charge.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 30 minutes of collection.

 

1. Submit a minimum of 2 mL of spinal fluid in a screw-capped, sterile vial as follows:

A. Physician should collect spinal fluid aseptically by lumbar puncture.
B. Divide specimen into 3 or 4 screw-capped, sterile vials (each containing 1-2 mL of spinal fluid).
C. Label vials sequentially. Tube #2 is generally used for microbiology testing.

2. Label vials with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.

3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.

Note:  1. Do not leave specimen unattended. Hand deliver to laboratory technician.

2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing.

Reference Values

Negative

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

87070 - culture

87205 - Gram stain

87077 - identification (if appropriate)

87186 - susceptibility (if appropriate)