ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Culture and Gram Stain : 0060106
[ image for: Time Sensitive]
Time Sensitive
  


Mnemonic: MC CSF

Methodology: Stain/Culture/Identification
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 1-5 days
Preliminary: 1 day; Final: 5 days; Positives are reported as soon as detected.
Specimen Required: Collect: CSF.

Specimen Preparation: Do not refrigerate for bacterial culture. Transfer 1 mL CSF to a sterile container. Place each specimen in an individually sealed bag.

Storage/Transport Temperature: CRITICAL ROOM TEMPERATURE.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 24 hours; Refrigerated: Unacceptable; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval:
No growth.
Identification and susceptibility tests are performed on positive cultures.
Note: Gram stain, identification, and susceptibility tests are billed separately from culture.
CPT Code(s): 87070