Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Meningitis is defined as inflammation of the meninges. This process may be acute or chronic and infective or non-infective. Many infective agents have been shown to cause meningitis, including viruses, bacteria, fungi and parasites. Diagnosis of meningitis is best established by laboratory examination of the CSF. Blood cultures and pharyngeal swabs may be useful in addition to CSF examination in the diagnosis of meningococcal meningitis and serology may allow retrospective diagnosis on acute and convalescent sera.
Specimen container paediatric:
CSF sample in sterile Universal.
Specimen container adult:
CSF sample in sterile Universal.
Minimum volume paediatric:
Seek advice from the laboratory as additional tests may make minimum volume required case specific. Samples must be collected in 3 sterile universals labelled 1, 2 and 3.
Minimum volume adult:
Seek advice from the laboratory as additional tests may make minimum volume required case specific. Samples must be collected in 3 sterile Universals labelled 1, 2 and 3.
Special requirements:
Samples must be sent to the laboratory ASAP after collection. If outside core hours then please contact the on-call Biomedical Scientist to inform of pending sample.
Sample stability:
Cells may lyse if sample not processed within 4 hrs.
Transport requirements:
Samples must be transported to microbiology as soon as reasonable practicable.
Add on test:
Possible up to 3 days.
Quality assurance:
UK National External Quality Assurance Scheme (UKNEQAS).
Interpretation:
Interpretative comments are added to reports where applicable.
Reference ranges:
N/A
Factors affecting result:
If delays likely, refrigerate at 2-8 deg C.
Referenced documents:
Standards of Microbiology Investigations (SMI B 27)
Other Info:
N/A