SPECIMEN PROCESSING and HANDLING

It is preferred that the collection date and time be the same for both CSF and serum; however, it is acceptable for them to be drawn within 48 hours of each other. Client must be contacted when no serum is supplied to confirm the order. It is acceptable to send through CSF without serum when client has indicated to “run with serum control.”

CSF must be crystalline and clear. (CSF collection tube #4 preferred).
Blood contamination and hemolysis may interfere with results. Submitting 4th lumbar puncture collection tube minimizes blood contamination.