Test Name:

Cerebrospinal fluid cytology

Synonyms:

CSF cytology

Last Reviewed:

05 May 2023

EDMONTON/CENTRAL/NORTH ZONE

Test Name:

Cerebrospinal fluid cytology

Collection Device / Container Type:

Sterile capped tubes

Volume Requirements:

2-5 mL
• Specimen must be split into separated tubes at collection location if testing occurs in more than one department

Submission Requirements:

• Transport fresh specimen to the lab immediately
• If a delay of more than 1 hour is anticipated, the specimen must be refrigerated
• If a delay of more than 24 hours is anticipated, add an equal volume of Saccomanno's
fixative to the cytology sample

Comments:

For flow cytometry, send specimen directly to UAH.

Last Reviewed:

07 July 2021

CALGARY/SOUTH ZONE

Test Name:

Cerebrospinal fluid cytology

Collection Device / Container Type:

Sterile CSF screw capped tube

Volume Requirements:

Adults and children: 2 mL CSF fluid (no fixative)
Neonates: 1 mL CSF fluid (no fixative)

Submission Requirements:

• Indicate on the requisition if the CSF was collected via lumbar puncture or shunt
• Indicate on the requisition if the patient has received intrathecal chemotherapy from the collection tube

Creutz-feld Jacob Disease (CJD):
• If the patient has known or suspected CJD, a cytopathology test cannot be processed and the specimen will be rejected

Leukemia/Lymphoma:
• If Leukemia or Lymphoma is suspected, a separate CSF specimen is required for Flow cytometery
• Do not refrigerate or add CytoLyt® solution to this specimen

Comments:

For collection information, see Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Specimen Collection Guidelines

• Containers must be securely tightened to avoid leakage
• Place collected specimen in a sealed biohazard bag
• Place requisition in outside pouch

Stability and Storage:
• Room temperature up to 1 hour
• Refrigerate after 1 hour
• If a delay of more than 24 hours is anticipated, add an equal amount of Cytolyt® for the cytopathology test

Last Reviewed:

05 May 2023