Specimen Requirements

Specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection.

1. Submit 1 to 2 mL of spinal fluid in a screw-capped, sterile vial. Additional spinal fluid may be needed if acid-fast bacilli or fungus is also requested. (Improperly labeled specimen, specimen in non-sterile or leaky vial, or specimen received >1 hour of collection is not acceptable.)

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

3. Forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.

Note: Specimen source is required.