Date

Field

Changed From

Changed To

Laboratory

Referred Test

Biochemistry

Collection & Request Instructions

Please note : to avoid sample deterioration, DO NOT send CSF specimens via the vacuum chute system.

Please quickly check that the tube is labelled underneath the foil before referring.

THERE MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 0.6 mL OF CSF OR THE TEST CANNOT BE PERFORMED

Please note : to avoid sample deterioration, DO NOT send CSF specimens via the vacuum chute system.

THERE MUST BE A MINIMUM OF 0.6 mL OF CSF OR THE TEST CANNOT BE PERFORMED

Processing Instructions

CSF xanthochromia checklist

Sample collected >12hrs from onset symptoms   Preferable

      4^th CSF sample    Essential

Sample light protected immediately   Essential

Sample transported manually to lab   Essential

Serum sample for bilirubin & albumin   Preferable

Slip with clinical notes and contact details   Essential

CSF xanthochromia checklist

Sample collected >12hrs from onset symptoms   Preferable

      4^th CSF sample    Essential

Sample light protected immediately   Essential

Sample transported manually to lab   Essential

Serum sample for bilirubin & protein- essemtial

Slip with clinical notes and contact details   Essential

External Laboratory

Austin Pathology

External Transport Instructions

Send via a Taxi ASAP. Ring Austin Pathology on 94963100.

MH and AH send via taxi ASAP and notify BH laboraotry.

Frequency

Daily

As required

Method

Please quickly check that the tube is labelled underneath the foil before passing to Scientist.

The specimen designated for spectrophotometry should be centrifuged at .2000 rpm for 5 min as soon as possible after receipt in the laboratory. The supernatant must be stored in the dark at 4⁰ C until analysis.

Notes

This test is specialised and will only be performed on CSF's when:

CT scan is negative

Four tubes must be collected and the container of the 4th tube must be wrapped in foil (please Label specimen before wrapping in foil)

This test is specialised and will only be performed on CSF's when:

CT scan is negative

Four tubes must be collected and the container of the 4th tube must be wrapped in foil (please Label specimen before wrapping in foil)

A white top tube must be collected for simulataneous measurement of serum Bilirubin and serum Protein (or add on to existing bloods within 6 hours of CSF collection).