Purpose
To standardize processing and culture of cerebrospinal fluid (csf) culture.
Scope
This procedure applies to trained microbiology laboratory personnel working within an approved quality-management and biosafety system.
Principle
Because CSF is a critical normally sterile-site specimen, prompt processing and appropriate culture methods are essential for recovery of clinically significant organisms.
Specimen / Test Material
Cerebrospinal fluid collected aseptically into an approved sterile container.
Equipment and Materials
- Appropriate validated culture media
- Inoculating equipment
- Incubation system
- Identification reagents or system
- AST materials where indicated
Procedure
- Treat the specimen as urgent according to laboratory policy.
- Verify identification and specimen integrity.
- Process promptly using the validated CSF workflow.
- Perform appropriate microscopy and culture.
- Incubate and investigate significant growth.
- Communicate critical findings according to the laboratory escalation policy.
Quality Control and Quality Assurance
Prioritize rapid processing; monitor media, microscopy and critical-result communication.
Reporting
Report clinically significant findings, relevant negative results and limitations according to laboratory policy.
Safety
Use risk-based biosafety practices, appropriate personal protective equipment and approved decontamination and waste-disposal procedures. Treat clinical specimens and cultures according to the laboratory's biological risk assessment.
References
- World Health Organization (WHO): Toolkit for Standard Operating Procedures for Bacteriology, Mycology and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing.
- WHO: Laboratory Biosafety Manual, 4th edition.
- WHO guidance on collection, packaging and transport of infectious substances.
- EUCAST methodology and quality-control guidance for antimicrobial susceptibility testing, where applicable.
- Current locally approved laboratory procedures and validated manufacturer instructions.