Collect fluid (usually nasal or ear discharge) into a sterile tube (eg, CSF tube or yellow-topped specimen jar). Record collection site on specimen container and request form. Collect a SST with gel. A serum sample should be collected at the same time as the discharge fluid. Please send together for testing. Serum collected within the previous 48 hours can be used if stored at 2-8 C. If however no serum is available from within the 48 hour window but a sample is available collected within the last 7 days and stored at 2-8 C please send an aliquot of this serum with a note advising of time frame.
Please ask the patient to sign his/her consent for the non-Medicare cost of this test ($57.92).
GENERAL NOTES
$110.00
APPLICATION: Demonstration of CSF in fluid.
This assay will be sent urgently on any inpatients without the need for contacting the Chemical Pathologist. If the sample is from an outpatient please contact the Chemical Pathologist on 3163 8607.
For advice on testing please contact the Mater Pathology Chemical Pathologist on call (3163 8607).