Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

CSF

Minimum volume required

500 µL CSF

Special requirements

Please contact the laboratory prior to sampling for instructions on how to proceed with this investigation. Specialist tubes must be ordered from the referral lab and samples must be frozen on dry ice at the bedside. Requests must be accompanied by a specific referral lab form (in addition to the UHB request form) which be requested along with the tubes. The assay uses the first 0.5 ml of sequential lumbar CSF samples. Freeze immediately, store at -70°C and transport frozen. Clinical details essential.

Patient preparation

A paired plasma for Prolactin can be helpful. Patients should ideally be off L-dopa medication for 7 days prior to lumbar puncture. If this is contraindicated, please contact to discuss alternative investigations. Contact Prof Heales for clinical advice.

Sample viability

Turnaround time

49 days

Reference range

Please refer to report for reference ranges.

Clinical guidance

Please follow the link below to the referral laboratory website for more information: https://www.uclh.nhs.uk/our-services/find-service/neurology-and-neurosurgery/neuroimmunology. Refer to fluid analysis guidelines for further information.

Notes

Sent to National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery, Queen's Square