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HelpTest Code LAB2536 CSF Culture, Shunt Associated
Infectious
Clinical System Name
CSF Culture, Shunt Associated
Synonyms
CSF
CSF Shunt Culture
Culture, CSF Shunt
VP Shunt Fluid
Ventricular Fluid
Omaya Reservoir Fluid
Shunt Fluid
Shunt Site
Shunt tip
LAB2536
Sample Requirements
Specimen: Cerebrospinal Fluid
Container: Sterile Container
Preferred Vol: 1 mL
Minimum Vol: 0.2 mL
Processing Instructions
CPA: Send Tube #2 to Microbiology for processing. If only one tube or syringe is collected, affix shared sample label and send entire sample to Microbiology.
Off-site collection: Off-site Children's Lab locations should set up culture and perform Gram stain. Culture must be set up before remaining sample is refrigerated for courier pickup. Place culture plates in CO2 pouch and incubate until courier pickup.
Other off-site locations, keep sample at room temperature.
Stability
| Temp | Time |
|---|---|
| Room temp | 1 hour |
| Refrigerated | N |
| Frozen | N |
Availability
| Procedure | Performed | Turn Around Time (TAT) |
|---|---|---|
| Gram Stain | 24/7 |
1 hour |
| Culture | 24/7 | 14 days |
Gram Stains on sterile fluids are performed STAT with a TAT of 1 hour.
Cultures are read at appropriate intervals to detect early bacterial growth. STAT culture requests are not applicable.
Performing Laboratory
Seattle Children's Laboratory
Department
Microbiology Laboratory
CPT Codes
87070
87205 (Gram Stain)
This test is not limited to the CPT codes listed. Others may be added as more testing is necessary and depending on the pathogens isolated (example: MIC's and ID codes)
Description
Includes Bacterial Culture and Gram Stain. Specimen cultured for Aerobic and Anaerobic bacteria.
The broth cultures are held for 14 days. This process is used to rule out infection with fastidious organisms such as Cutibacterium (previously Propionibacterium).
Notifiable Result
Neisseria meningitidis is immediately notifiable to the County Health Department
See Link below for Notifiable Conditions for WA state labs:
https://doh.wa.gov/public-health-healthcare-providers/notifiable-conditions
See Link below for PDF of phone numbers for Local Health jurisdictions (by County) in WA State:
https://www.doh.wa.gov/Portals/1/Documents/1200/LHJCommunicableDiseaseReporting.pdf
Reporting Information
Any growth on a sterile fluid is considered positive and reported.
Preliminary Report: 18 - 24 hours
Negative Final Report: 14 days