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CSF culture, routine (Calgary/South)
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Test Name:
CSF culture, routine (Calgary/South)
Organism(s)/Disease(s):
E. coli K1
Haemophilus influenzae
Listeria monocytogenes
Meningitis
Neisseria meningitidis
Shunt infection
Staphylococci
Streptococcus agalactiae (Group B)
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Body Source(s):
Brain, ventricle
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
CSF reservoir
Epidural/intrathecal catheter
External ventricular drainage - EVD (CSF)
Lumbar puncture
Shunt, ventriculoatrial - VP (CSF)
Shunt, ventriculoperitoneal - VA (CSF)
Clinical Prerequisite(s):
Provision of relevant, clinical information is important to ensure a clinically relevant result.

For known/suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), contact the Microbiologist-on-call (MOC) before collection of any type of specimen from the central nervous system. 
•  Phone 1-800-661-9876 and request the MOC for Calgary/South zones

Submit this required information on the requisition:
• specimen source
• current antibiotic therapy and start date
• clinical history:
     - symptoms and signs and their duration

Collection Device/Tube Type:
10 mL sterile tube
Specimen Requirement(s):
Minimum volume:  1 mL CSF in a sterile screw-cap tube
Note:  if adequate volume is collected, four (4) separate sterile screw-cap tubes are preferred

Refer to page 2 of the CSF Specimen Collection Guidelines for required volumes
•  For small volume draws, indicate priority of the test request

Collection Instructions:
  • Follow instructions in the  CSF Specimen Collection Guidelines and collect the CSF specimen(s)
  • Label as directed on page 1 of the Guidelines
  • Always number the tubes to indicate the order of collection

    • Handling and Storage:
    *Store at Room Temperature
    DO NOT refrigerate
    Handling/Storage Comments:

    Transport CSF specimens to the hospital laboratory immediately after collection (within 15 minutes), for transport to the testing laboratory.

    Note:  CSF specimens must be received at the testing lab - DSC Microbiology - within 1 hour of receipt in the collecting-site laboratory. 
    • Transport specimens for Microbiology testing, STAT to the testing lab (DSC)
    •  DO NOT leave specimen on the reception counter - deliver directly to laboratory staff

    **For known/suspected Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD), follow transportation of Dangerous Goods (TDG) protocol and the APL Biological and Chemical Exposure Response Plan


    Turnaround Times
    See Microbiology Information»
    Comments:
    Gram stains are processed and phoned within 1 hour of receipt

    Last Reviewed:
    17 May 2023
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