Culture, CSF

Test Code

CXCSF

Alias/See Also

CSF Culture

CPT Codes
87070

Reference Range

At 72 hours "FINAL, No Growth"

Positive results in CSF are considered critical and called per protocol.

Clinical Significance

In a case of suspected meningitis, the spinal fluid is submitted for culture. Examination of spinal fluid is a major emergency procedure in the laboratory, therefore, the spinal fluid should be processed immediately by preparing gram-stained smears and inoculating the appropriate media. Since the spinal fluid is always considered sterile, any organisms found will be significant.

Performed at CMC Microbiology Laboratory

Performing Laboratory
CRMC Microbiology Laboratory

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.