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HelpTest Code LAB7016 Culture, Bacterial—Aerobic Only with Gram Stain, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Additional Codes
| Test Name in EPIC | EPIC Test Code | Mnemonic |
|---|---|---|
| CULTURE, SPINAL FLUID | LAB7016 | CSF Cx |
Useful For/Utility
Detecting bacteria responsible for infections in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF). Determining the in vitro antimicrobial susceptibility of potentially pathogenic aerobic bacteria, if appropriate.
Clinical Information
Bacterial meningitis is the result of infection of the meninges. Identification of the infecting agents is one of the most important functions of the diagnostic microbiology laboratory because acute meningitis is life-threatening.
Specimen Requirements
Note: Whenever possible, culture specimens should be obtained before antibiotics or antimicrobial agents have been administered.
Specimen must arrive as soon as possible after collection.
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: 3 sterile vials
Specimen Volume: ≥1 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Spinal fluid from collection vial #2 or #3 is preferred.
Additional Information:
1. Specimen source is required.
2. Label vial with patient’s name (first and last), date and actual time of collection, and type of specimen.
3. Clearly label specimens collected from a shunt.
Specimen Transport Temperature
Ambient OK/Refrigerate NO/Frozen NO
Day(s) Test Set Up
Monday through Sunday
Performing Laboratory
Microbiology -
St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab
SMDC Clinical Lab, Virginia Hospital Lab
Fargo Hospital Lab, Fosston Hospital Lab, St. Mary's - Detroit Lakes Hospital Lab
Test Classification and CPT Coding
87015-Concentration
87070-Culture
87205-Gram stain
Additional CPT codes will be billed when appropriate.
Reference Values
Routine CSF culture: 4 days to final report
CSF from shunt: 7 days to final report