Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for Cytology
CSF specimens rapidly degrade. Cells contained within a CSF specimen have a short bench life and become unidentifiable in a shorter time than other specimens.
CSF samples must be sent immediately to Pathology after collection.
Outside of routine Cytology laboratory hours (08:30-17:30) CSF specimens are partially processed by the Microbiology Unit to prevent cellular deterioration. Processing of CSF smears is completed by the Cytology laboratory the next working day. |