Specimen Requirements

1. Collect 1 mL (minimum volume:  0.5 mL) of fresh spinal fluid in sterile tube from a lumbar puncture tray.

2. Label tube with patient’s name (first and last), date of birth, and type of specimen.

3. Send specimen refrigerated. Maintain sterility and forward promptly.

Note:  

1. Please complete a request form and include the following:

A. Patient’s name (first and last)

B. Date of birth

C. Date of collection

D. Source of material

E. Physician’s name

F. Pertinent clinical information including admitting diagnosis, history and prior diagnostic and therapeutic procedures (ie, radiation)

2. Place specimen in a plastic specimen bag with request form inserted into pocket separate from specimen.