Cerebral spinal fluid collection

To help assure result validity, the following collection procedure must be observed:

• Spinal fluid should be collected and transported in a sterile screw-capped tube.
• Transport promptly at room temperature.
• Do NOT refrigerate if for bacterial culture.
• Specimens will be accepted within 24 hours of collection.
• Specimens must be labeled with the patient's full name (first and last), date of birth, and date of collection. 
• Please call our Customer Service Department for the proper transport method if non-microbiology tests are also ordered.