1. Disinfect site with antiseptic. 2. Using a sterile needle with stylet, insert needle at L3, L4, L5, or L5-S1 interspace. 3. After reaching subarachnoid space, remove stylet, and collect 8 mL (minimum volume: 1 mL) of spinal fluid in a screw-capped, sterile vial. 4. Label vial with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen. 5. Send specimen refrigerated. 6. Maintain sterility and forward promptly. Note: 1. Smear will only be performed if >5 mL of spinal fluid is submitted. 2. Specimen source is required on request form for processing. *Rejection Criteria: Quantity not sufficient, specimen leaking, unlabeled or mislabeled specimen, specimen without a minimum of 2 patient identifiers, specimen received after prolonged delay (more than 7 days), specimen in fixative.
Transport Instructions
Specimen Stability
Up to 7 days at 2-8C (refrigerated)
Methodology
Microbiology Culture
Days Performed
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Northwell Health Laboratories If culture is positive, additional charge(s)/CPT code(s) may apply for identification and/or antibiotic susceptibilities performed when appropriate.
