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Test Code 00010 Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Testing

Performing Laboratory

MaineGeneral Medical Center

Reference Values

GLUCOSE

Child:     60-80 mg/dL

Adults:   40-70 mg/dL

Critical values (automatic call-back):  <40 mg/dL or >200 mg/dL

PROTEIN

15-45 mg/dL

Critical value (automatic call-back):  >100 mg/dL

RBC

0

VDRL

Nonreactive

WBC

Neonates:  0-30 cu mm

Adults:  0-5 cu mm

WBC DIFFERENTIAL

All lymphocytes and monocytes

ROUTINE CULTURE/GRAM STAIN

No growth/No organisms seen

Critical value (automatic call-back):  positive

Methodology

Note: If the Transmissible Spongiform Encephalopathy/Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease is suspected notify the laboratory immediately.

 

Includes glucose, protein, RBC, VDRL, WBC, and WBC differential.

Note:  All tests on CSF must be ordered individually.

Specimen Requirements

Submit 1 mL of spinal fluid in each of 3 to 4 screw-capped, sterile tubes from lumbar tray. Tubes must be numbered in sequence with #1 representing first portion of specimen obtained. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:  1. For culture and Gram stain, submit tube #2 and order Gram stain and routine culture.

2. Label specimen with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, date and time of collection, and collector’s initials.

Day(s) Test Set Up

Monday through Sunday

Test Classification and CPT Coding

82945 - glucose

84155 - protein

86592 - VDRL

89051 - cell count and differential