CSF

Please indicate clearly if patient is a high risk of CJD and TB

	Optimal time of specimen collection	Preferably before antimicrobial therapy is started but this must not be delayed pending lumbar puncture
	Correct specimen type and method of collection	Specialist collection according to local protocols
	Quantity and number of specimens	Ideally, a minimum volume of 1ml. For Mycobacterium species, as large a volume as possible. CSF is normally collected sequentially into three or more separate containers. Sterile disposable containers should be used. Collect into an additional container with fluoride if glucose estimation is required. Send the first and last specimens taken for microbiological examination and the second to biochemistry for protein estimation, (and spectophotometry, if xanthochromia required).
	Transport	Specimens should be transported urgently to the laboratory laboratory by porter and laboratory informed by telephone..
	Turnaround time	Microscopy results and positive culture are telephoned. A printed negative culture report is issued at 48 hours.