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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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CULTURE, CSF, AEROBIC

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB2126    Geisinger Epic ID:  47480

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

CSF lumbar puncture 
NOTE: all shunt collections should be ordered as Culture, CSF, Aerobic and Anaerobic


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
Sterile specimen container
Specimen required: 

5-10 mL; minimum 1 mL


Special notes: 

If more than one (1) tube of CSF is collected, submit tube #2 or #3 for microbiology studies. Check expiration date on transport device before use. When collecting specimen, take precaution to avoid contamination with normal bacterial flora.


Patient preparation: 

Use skin disinfection procedure as appropriate prior to skin puncture.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Immediately transport all specimens to the laboratory to optimize bacterial recovery. Gram stains from CSF are always considered STAT testing.


Transport temperature: 

Room temperature. DO NOT refrigerate.


Specimen stability: 

Sterile CSF tube or sterile container: ASAP, < 1 hour optimal


Rejection criteria: 

Improperly labeled/identified specimen. Improperly collected specimens. Expired transport device. Grossly contaminated specimens. Delay in transport or transport at the wrong temperature.



TEST DETAILS
Reference interval: 

No growth.


CPT code(s):  87070, 87205
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Test includes: 

Isolation, identification and semiquantitation of aerobic organisms. Antibiotic susceptibility testing and bacterial identification performed as appropriate. Additional charges may apply. For specimens > 1mL, an additional fee for specimen concentration may apply.

The College of American Pathologists recommends that a Gram stain be performed on all CSF specimens. For that reason, a Gram stain is included at an additional charge with this culture.


Methodology: 
Culture
Synonyms: 

Aerobic, culture, cerebral spinal fluid culture, fluid culture, ROUT, CSFCA


Clinical significance: 

Use to detect the presence of bacteria from normally sterile CSF. The best quality specimen is aseptically collected, avoiding contamination with superficial microorganisms.


Doctoral Director(s): 
Donna Wolk PhD, D(ABMM)
Raquel Martinez, PhD, D(ABMM)
Review Date:  12/31/2024

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