Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- CSF
Turnaround Time
3 daysSample Stability
Stored for 6 monthsViral CSF screen
General Information
Tests performed routinely are any combination of the following tests: Herpes Simplex 1+2, Varicella Zoster virus, Enterovirus and Parechovirus. In addition Cytomegalovirus, Epstein Barr Virus, Adenovirus, HHV6 and Polyomaviruses may be requested as clinically relevant.
CNS Biofire samples are only tested on samples from requestors External to the Trust.
Under some circumstances, CSFs may be tested by Biofire for the Trust but this is determined in-house by a testing algorithm based on M,C&S findings or by Microbiology/Virology consultant approval.
Patient Preparation
For taking CSF samples we recommend that users follow either their local protocols or “The Royal Marsden Manual of Clinical Nursing Procedures”.
CSF samples for microbiology/virology
- Collect specimens preferably before antimicrobial therapy is started, but this must not be delayed unnecessarily pending lumbar puncture and CSF culture.
- CSF is normally collected sequentially into three or more separate containers which should be clearly numbered consecutively on the sample pots (i.e. 1, 2 and 3).
- In adults, we recommend sending samples 1 and 3 for microbiology and sample 2 for biochemistry (protein).
- Ideally a minimum volume of 1mL is needed for each tube but when sample volume is below this it is possible to pool samples.
- For culture for Mycobacterium species (including TB), at least 10mL is preferred where possible as the larger the volume, the greater the culture yield.
Notes
*Samples of lower volumes will not be rejected.Significant Results Telephoned
Specifications
- EQA Scheme?: Yes
- EQA Status: NEQAS