Method Name
Manual
Aliases
Cell Count, Spinal Fluid, Csf Cell Count, Cell Count - Csf
Specimen Required
the third tube in sequence. (See remarks)
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL of fluid
Specimen Stability Information
Transport immediately to the Laboratory. White blood cells in the fluid begin to deteriorate within 1 hour after collection.
Special Instructions
The CSF specimen is usually collected via lumbar puncture and submitted to the laboratory in 3 or 4 tubes labeled in the order in which they were taken from the puncture.
Tube #1 is used for Chemistry and Serology
Tube #2 is used for smear and culture (Microbiology)
Tube #3 is used for cell count/differential (Hematology)
Tube #4 (if provided) is used for send out tests
Performing Laboratory
As ordered. Turn around time is 4 hours.
Reference Values
See report.