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CSF Xanthochromia Screen

Alternative Names:CSF Bilirubin
Xanthochromia
Laboratory:Clinical Biochemistry
Test Code:CSXAN
Specimen Types:Cerebrospinal Fluid
Container Types:
CSF Tube 4
CSF Tube 3
Collection & Request Instructions:

Spinal tap should be performed at least 12hrs following suspected SAH.

Send to laboratory Urgently - must be spun within 1hr.

Tube 4 is the preferred tube.

Cover sample with foil to protect from light.

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:Room Temperature
Additional Notes:

Please note - if the sample is received after being unprotected from light this can lead to a decrease in bilirubin and a false negative result for Xanthochromia. Please interpret with this in mind and in the context of other tests and clinical history.

Reference: Foroughi M, Parikh D, Wassell J, Hatfield R. Influence of light and time on bilirubin degradation in CSF spectrophotometry for subarachnoid haemorrhage. Br J Neurosurg. 2010 Aug;24(4):401-4”