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Test Code LABCSFCYTO Cytology, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Additional Codes

Test Name in EPIC EPIC Test Code
CYTOLOGY, CEREBROSPINAL FLUID LABCSFCYTO

 

Useful For/Utility

Examination of CSF fluid is useful in diagnosing tumors (carcinoma, lymphoma, leukemias) and infections.

Methodology

Microscopic evaluation

Clinical Information

CSF cytology is part of a complete neurological evaluation of non-specific findings such as headache or seizures in which the cytologic findings are frequently non-specific.

Specimen Requirements

For best results, specimen must arrive as soon as possible after collection.
Specimen source is required.

 

Specimen Type: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
Container/Tube: Sterile container
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL (Minimum)
Fixative: Fixative is dependent on location.  See chart below.
Amount of Fixative: Equal amount to specimen collected (50:50)
Note:  If specimen is collected on the weekend/holiday or if the specimen will take >24 hours to reach the laboratory, add an equal amount of cytology fixative to the cytology specimen.

 

Essentia Health Region Cytology Liquid Fixative
East 50% Ethanol
Brainerd Lakes 50% Ethanol
West Saccomanno

Collection Instructions: Collect the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via the usual manner of a lumbar puncture or from the lateral ventricles in a sterile container.

 

 

 

Specimen Transport Temperature

Ambient NO/Refrigerate OK/Frozen NO

See "Resources" link for additional information (Cytology Specimen Regional Transport Table)

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Friday

Performing Laboratory

Cytology -

Central Region: St. Joseph's Medical Center Lab

East Region: SMDC Clinical Lab

West Region: Fargo Hospital Lab

Test Classification and CPT Coding

Variable dependent upon processing technique.

Reference Values

An interpretive report will be provided.

Additional Information

Container must have the patient’s full name, Medical Record Number or Date of Birth, provider's name, date and time of collection, and specimen source. An EPIC order label is preferred.

 

The following specimens are at risk of being delayed and/or discarded:
-Spilled specimen
-No requisition form or EPIC order
-Name on requisition or EPIC order does not match name on specimen
-Unlabeled specimen
-No provider name given

 

Place specimen in a plastic specimen bag with request form (if present) inserted into the pocket separate from specimen.