Test Code LAB268 and LAB2488 Spinal Fluid, Routine

Methodology

Includes appearance, differential, glucose, protein, RBCs, smear and culture, and WBCs.

TidalHealth Peninsula Regional - Chemistry, Hematology, and Microbiology

Specimen must arrive within 1 hour of collection.

1. Submit 2 to 3 mL of spinal fluid distributed in 3 screw-capped, sterile vials.

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

3. Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only. Do not refrigerate.

GLUCOSE

40-70 mg/dL

Critical value (automatic call-back): <40 mg/dL

PROTEIN

Males

0-14 days: 15-100 mg/dL

15-29 days: 15-98 mg/dL

30 days-2 months: 15-48 mg/dL

≥3 months: 15-45 mg/dL

Females

0-14 days: 15-153 mg/dL

15-29 days: 15-98 mg/dL

30 days-2 months: 15-93 mg/dL

≥3 months: 15-45 mg/dL

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

WBC

Critical value (automatic call-back): >10/cmm