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23177 Cytology - Cerebrospinal Fluid

Cytology - Cerebrospinal Fluid
Test Code: Pathology Non-Gyn Request
Synonyms/Keywords
​​​​Cerebrospinal Fluid, CSF, Cytospin​
Useful For
Examination of CSF for the purpose of identifying malignancies and other pathologic conditions.​
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
CSF​ Centrifuge Tube; CSF Collection Tube​ ​ ​


Collection Processing Instructions
Submission of specimen volumes of at least 3 mL is requested to rule out malignancy. 

Specimen should be brought to Specimen Processing immediately after collection for proper handling. A fresh specimen is preferred. 
 
If there will be more than 1 hour delay of receipt, an equal volume of 50% ethyl alcohol should be added to the cytology portion of the specimen.​
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
CSF​ Room Temperature​ Within 1 hour of collection​
CSF​ Refrigerated​ After 1 hour of collection, add an equal amount of  50% ethyl alcohol to the cytology specimen.
Rejection Criteria
Frozen
Interference
If a specimen has not been fixed within a 1/2-hour of collection, please consult Cytopathology (800-222-5835, ext. 1-6155)​
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield​ Monday - Friday​ 2 day​s
 Cytospin Preparation​, Light Microscopy
Test Information
Identify the specimen tubes with the patient's name, medical record number and specimen source. Send specimen with a properly completed test request requisition or electronic order immediately to Marshfield Specimen Processing. Include pertinent patient history and appropriate ICD-10 code. Specimen Processing will divide the specimen as needed for the tests ordered.​
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield Interpretive Report​
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
88104​ ​  ​ Cytology Smears With Interpretation​ ​
Synonyms/Keywords
​​​​Cerebrospinal Fluid, CSF, Cytospin​
Ordering Applications
Ordering Application Description
​Cerner
 ​Pathology Non-Gyn Request

If the ordering application you are looking for is not listed, contact your local laboratory for assistance.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen Type Preferred Container/Tube Acceptable Container/Tube Specimen Volume Specimen Minimum Volume
(allows for 1 repeat)		 Pediatric Minimum Volume
(no repeat)
CSF​ Centrifuge Tube; CSF Collection Tube​ ​ ​


Collection Processing
Submission of specimen volumes of at least 3 mL is requested to rule out malignancy. 

Specimen should be brought to Specimen Processing immediately after collection for proper handling. A fresh specimen is preferred. 
 
If there will be more than 1 hour delay of receipt, an equal volume of 50% ethyl alcohol should be added to the cytology portion of the specimen.​
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type Temperature Time
CSF​ Room Temperature​ Within 1 hour of collection​
CSF​ Refrigerated​ After 1 hour of collection, add an equal amount of  50% ethyl alcohol to the cytology specimen.
Rejection Criteria
Frozen
Interference
If a specimen has not been fixed within a 1/2-hour of collection, please consult Cytopathology (800-222-5835, ext. 1-6155)​
Useful For
Examination of CSF for the purpose of identifying malignancies and other pathologic conditions.​
Reference Range Information
Performing Location Reference Range
​Marshfield Interpretive Report​
For more information visit:
Performing Laboratory Information
Performing Location Day(s) Test Performed Analytical Time Methodology/Instrumentation
Marshfield​ Monday - Friday​ 2 day​s
 Cytospin Preparation​, Light Microscopy
For billing questions, see Contacts
Outreach CPTs
CPT Modifier
(if needed)		 Quantity Description Comments
88104​ ​  ​ Cytology Smears With Interpretation​ ​
For most current information refer to the Marshfield Laboratory online reference manual.