Culture, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Test code: 388

CPT code(s): 87070, 87205

Includes: Aerobic culture and Gram Stain
If culture is positive, identification will be performed at an additional charge (CPT code(s): 87077 or 87140 or 87143 or 87147 or 87149).
Antibiotic susceptibilities are only performed when appropriate (CPT code(s): 87181 or 87184 or 87185 or 87186).

Methodology: Bacterial culture, aerobic, anaerobic, microscopy, routine isolation and identification procedures antibiotic susceptibility testing when appropriate

Reference range(s): See laboratory report 

Clinical significance:
Cerebrospinal fluid cultures are of importance in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges. The most common causes of this life-threatening condition are E. coli and Group B streptococci in neonates, H. influenzae (2 months-5 years), N. meningitidis (all ages, most common in older children and young adults) and S. pneumoniae (all ages).