Cerebrospinal Fluid Cytospin (Haematology)

Description: 
Cytocentrifugation is a method of gentle and controlled centrifugation, that produces a monolayer of preserved, displayed cells (when present).
These are flattened constructively on a slide, offering a more open nucleus and more visually interpretable nuclear material.

Slides are reviewed by a Haematology Registrar/Consultant.
Reference range: 

n/a

Synonyms or keywords: 
CSF, Cytospin
Units: 
n/a
Department: 
Blood Sciences Department
Location: 
Guy's Hospital
Sample type and Volume required: 
Cerebrospinal Fluid collected into a Plain Sterile Universal container.
>400uL = 2 slides prepared;
<400uL = 1 Slide prepared;
Turnaround time: 
Routine: 5 working days; Urgent: Contact the Laboratory.
Special sample instructions: 

Interfering factors:

  • Sample contamination due to poor collection technique;
  • Very short sample;
  • Delay in sample getting to the laboratory, causing deterioration;

Report will be issued with appropriate/relevant comments.

Criteria for acceptance / rejections of sample
Storage and transport: 
Sample to be sent to the laboratory within 2h post collection in order to avoid sample deterioration.
Contacts:
Blood Sciences Department-Guy's And St Thomas' Hospital
St Thomas' Hospital
North Wing - 5th Floor
Westminster Bridge Road
London SE1 7EH
Contact: 020 7188 9247

Guy's Hospital
Southwark Wing - 4th Floor
Great Maze Pond
London SE1 9RT
Contact: 020 7188 4781
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Clinical Advisory Service
Routine hours: bleep 1358
Paediatrics Routine hours: bleep 1621

Out of hours, weekend and bank holidays: 17:00-9:00 bleep 0294
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.
Laboratory: 
Haematology Laboratory at Guy's and St Thomas' Hospital

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Last updated: 13/08/2021