Pathology Handbook

New search

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”