Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a sterile, plastic, leak-proof container and 5 mL serum in gold (SST) top tube.

2 mL CSF and 1 mL serum refrigerated (CSF Min: 1 mL Serum Min: 0.5 mL).

* Collection Instructions *

• Both CSF & serum are required specimens.
• It is preferred that the collection date and time be the same for both; however, it is acceptable for them to be drawn within 48 hours of each other.
• If no serum is supplied, the client will be contacted to confirm the order.

CSF

• Collection tube #4 is preferred.
• Submitting 4th lumbar puncture collection tube minimizes blood contamination.

Transport Temperature

• Refrigerated CSF specimens at 2-8°C in sterile, plastic CSF vial(s) and send refrigerated (cold packs) to the laboratory OR freeze CSF specimens at -20°C and send frozen samples to the laboratory on dry ice.

Ambient: 8 hours

Refrigerated: 7 days

Frozen: 90 days

• Hemolysis
• Received room temperature
• Xanthochromia
• RBCs
• Hemolysis in CSF