Cerebrospinal Fluid – Cytology

Diagnostic Use

Cytological examination for the detection of normal and/or atypical epithelial; lymphoid cells or other body processes within the CSF.

Department

Anatomical Pathology - Cytology

Delphic Registration Code

CCSF

Synonyms

Brain cyst fluid cytology
CSF cytology
Cytology - Cerebrospinal fluid
Cytology - CSF

Turnaround Time

5 days

Test Code

9728

Specimen Type

• CSF

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Pottle

Additional Specimen Information

Specimens MUST be properly labelled with patient details - full name and NHI or full name and date of birth, and accompanied with a matching request form.
Send to lab within one hour of being tapped

Aliquot Instructions

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

Aliquot Instructions Spin down sample using the senders' protocol. Add sufficient CRR to the deposit to lyse the red blood cells and fix the specimen (1mL of CRR per drop of red blood cells). Resuspend and send to CHL promptly at room temperature.

Aliquot Transport to CHL - Room temperature if in CRR.

Test Method

Cytological examination of slides.

Specimens centrifuged and cellular material is transferred onto glass slides, fixed and stained for cytological examination under a microscope.

Surplus material may be made into a Cytology cellblock (plasma-thrombin clot) for ancillary studies e.g. special stains; immunohistochemistry.

Non-Funded Test Cost

$135.59 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

9728

Test-adding Cytology can be done for up to 7 days on the original specimen, BUT delays in fixation may make cytological examination and interpretation difficult. A repeat sample may be advisable in this situation, if easily obtainable.

Samples are stored in a refrigerator until reported (usually within 7 days) before being discarded.

Contact Information

Enquiry Form