Cerebral Spinal Fluid for Cytology

Test Name Cerebral Spinal Fluid for Cytology
Alternate Name(s)  
Laboratory Module

Category : Cyto

Ordering mneumonic : FLDC

Source mneumonic: CSF

Ordering Mnemonic

All specimens must be accompanied by a completed manual or Meditech generated cyto-pathology non-gynecological requisition. All mandatory fields must be satisfied in order to complete the request. In the case of computer downtime use the standard cytopathology non-gynecological requisition.

Specimen Type

Cerebral Spinal Fluid

Collection Container Collect in a sterile container containing cytolyt fluid
Container Information
Collect in a sterile container containing cytolyt fluid. Alternatively, if the sample is separated into vials for additional lab testing, the specimen may be sent fresh.
Collection Information

 

I.1.All specimens must be accompanied by a completed manual or Meditech generated cyto-pathology non-gynecological requisition. All mandatory fields must be satisfied in order to complete the request. In the case of computer downtime use the standard cytopathology non-gynecological requisition.

The following information is required on the requisition
(a) Patient identifiers (addressographs may be used)
(i) patient's first and last name
(ii) hospital unique number
(iii) date of birth
(iv) Ontario Health Insurance Number with version code.
(b) Submitting area identifiers: Hospital site (BGH or The Willett) and the submitting department (Emergency, Ambulatory Care etc.).
(c) Submitting physician's name.
(d) Date of specimen collection
(e) Pre- and post-operative presumptive diagnosis.
(f) A brief clinical history, relevant pathological and radiological findings.
(g) Specimen information
(i) specimen type/source
(ii) specimen site

I.2. If received, the specimen container must be labeled. Addressograph labels are preferred, otherwise the following information must be provided, clearly written in ink:
(a) Minimum of 2 Patient identifiers -
(i) patient's full name
(ii) hospital unique number
(iii) date of birth

(iv)OHIN
(b) Date of specimen collection.
(c) Specimen type and site, as it is written on the Cytology Requisition form.
This information must be recorded on the side of the specimen container and not the lid.


If a specimen is known or suspected to contain unique or extreme biohazard the container shall be so marked.

The referral testing site does not perform testing on samples that are known or suspect of a positive CJD result.

 

I.3. Place specimen containers in a biohazard bag (if applicable). The requisition should be placed in the outer pouch of the biohazard bag. 

      Send all additional meditech generated labels in the biohazard bag
 
I.4. Transport specimen to the Triage area of the laboratory as soon as possible

I.5. Inform the triage staff that you have delivered a specimen.

Test Schedule

Monday to Friday

Routine Turnaround Time 1 week
Stat Turnaround Time 2 days
Reference Interval  
Critical Values  
Lab Process Notes Notify the cytology staff upon the arrival of a CSF. Specimens are to be stored refrigerated in the laboratory triage area. Specimens should arrive from the unit already collected within Cytolyt Cytology fixative. If received fresh, laboratory triage staff are to add equal volumes of the cytology fixative immediately. Take care not to add cytolyte to samples required for additional lab test orders performed in Microbiology and/ or Core Lab.
Storage and Transport Specimens should be stored in the refrigerator
Test Referred To Technical services referred offsite. Final diagnosis and reporting performed by BCHS

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