Specimen Requirements

Container/Tube: Screw-capped, sterile container(s)

Specimen Volume: Fresh spinal fluid (minimum volume: 1 mL)

Collection Instructions: Physician’s office and/or hospital personnel are responsible for collecting specimen. If this test is the only test requested on spinal fluid, add an equal volume of 70% alcohol fixative.

Note: 1. If other tests are also requested on spinal fluid, refrigerate specimen until transported to laboratory.

2. Label container with patient’s name (first, last, and middle initial), date and time of collection, and source of specimen.
3. The following specimens will be returned to the submitting physician:
A. Spilled specimen
B. No requisition form
C. Name on requisition does not match name on specimen
4. Indicate medical history and initials of person collecting specimen.