CSF - Cytology

Screening and diagnostic interpretation

CSF - Cytology

Spinal tray tubes

Deliver to the lab as soon as possible at room temperature

Deliver specimens to the Cytopathology Laboratory (C7630), Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 5 PM, or place in the Surgical Pathology/Cytology refrigerator outside H2349.

CSF collected from lumbar, cisternal or ventricular puncture can be evaluated. The origin of the fluid should be clearly stated on the requisition form and specimen tube label. Immediately after the tap is performed, place only a small amount of fluid in the first tube (to clear blood). Obtain as much CSF in the second tube as clinical judgment allows. FRESH SPECIMEN, DO NOT ADD FIXATIVE. Transport to lab immediately.

STAT requests should be kept to a minimum. All STAT requests must be approved by a staff pathologist, and the cytology laboratory notified as soon as possible whenever a STAT is anticipated.

Results on non-GYN are generally available by 5 PM on the day the specimen is accessioned and processed (which is usually the day after specimen collection), unless special stains or other diagnostic procedures are required. Specimens received after 7 AM on Friday and those collected on weekends will be accessioned and processed on Monday. Specimens collected on a holiday will be processed on the next work day. STAT's received in the laboratory by Noon on weekdays will usually be approved. Specimens received after 3 PM on weekdays, at night, weekends and holidays will be accepted only under special circumstances. Turn-around-time for STAT results varies from 1 hour to 4 hours.