Detection of Bacterial Meningitis

• PRIOR CONSULTATION REQUIRED 
• Contact CEDEP prior to submission

• None

• Minimum of 0.5 mL of Clinical Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)
  

Specimen Labeling

• Specimen must be labeled with at least two unique patient identifiers and match accompanying PH-4182 Clinical Submission Requisition.

• None

• Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) must be stored at 2 - 8°C (short term) or at or below -70°C within 96 hours for up to 60 days.
  

Specimen Transport

• Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) must be transported on ice packs at 2 - 8°C (if within 96 hours) or on dry ice if frozen.
  

• Unsatisfactory specimens include, but may not be limited to: 

- The specimen was broken or leaked in transit

- No specimen was in the container submitted

- Improper specimen type submitted

- Specimens received at improper temperature

- Specimens received without documentation of consultation

• Nashville