Ideally, the CSF should be collected at a time when symptoms are most severe. Collect all tubes to ensure consistency in sampling volume, irrespective if some tests are not required.ÌýA paired blood sample for lactate, glucose, pyruvate and amino acids should also be collected.ÌýSee respective tests for collection.
CSF Special Microtubes:Tube 1:ÌýFor lactate,glucose and protein. Performed in Core Laboratory.ÌýTube 2:ÌýFor Amino Acids & Pyruvate ;Tube 3:ÌýFor HVA, 5-HIAA & other metabolites;Tube 4:ÌýFor Pteridines;Tube 5:ÌýFor Storage pending future studies. Contact VCGS before collection.ÌýPerformed by VGCS Pathology.
CORE LABORATORY NOTES:Ìý
CSF Special Microtubes:Do not interchange the tubes (some tubes contain stabilisers)
If cell count (M/C/S) requested,ÌýsendÌý'additional tube'Ìýto Bacteriology (if no 'additional tube' received, send eitherÌýtube 1Ìý(& SHARE with Biochemistry) orÌýtube 5Ìý(& SHARE with VCGS for store) to Bacteriology first).
If cell count (Cytospin) requested,ÌýsendÌý'additional tube'Ìýto haematology(if no 'additional tube' received, send eitherÌýtube 1Ìý(& SHARE with Biochemistry) orÌýtube 5Ìý(& SHARE with VCGS for store)Ìýif they have NOT been frozenÌýin transit,ÌýtoÌýhaematology first).
Tube 1:ÌýSend to Core Biochemistry for lactate,glucose and protein. If blood stained, centrifuge the tube. Biochemistry to test the supernatant (aliquot with a sterile pipette).
Tubes 2, 3, 4 & 5:
If blood stained:ÌýIn hours, phone the VCGS Metabolic lab (82 6355) to collect immediately;ÌýOut of hours,Ìýcentrifuge the specimen, use a sterile pipetteÌý to aliquot supernatant into a labelled cryo tube, and store in the Core Laboratory -70°C freezer in the 'VCGS MetabolicÌýLab'Ìýbox ASAP.
If not blood stained:ÌýStore in the Core Laboratory -70°C freezer in the 'VCGS MetabolicÌýLab'Ìýbox ASAP (both in hours and out of hours).