CSF Culture

• To be taken with strict aseptic precautions into sterile bottle – Incubate or keep at room temperature, if time delay. Never Refrigerate (Meningococci, Pneumococci and H. influenzae are very sensitive to low temperature). – Relevant clinical history, age, antibiotics details are essential (for selection of suitable media and technique) – CSF for AFB culture – as large a volume as possible is taken.

CSF for Viral Isolation – Centrifuge and supernatant is transported with added antibiotics at 4°C. Other Normally Sterile Fluids (E.g. Abdominal, Chest, Synovial, Pericardial, etc) – Aspirated samples are to be collected into sterile containers.