Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Microbiology Culture with Antibiotic Susceptibility Testing
This test checks for bacteria, fungi, or other microbes in your spinal fluid, along with how your body’s microbes respond to certain antibiotics. It helps diagnose infections like meningitis or other brain/spinal cord issues.
["A CSF culture helps identify infections and guides antibiotic treatment tailored to your specific microbes."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 36928-0
- Short code
- CT Guided Head Str Bx
- Synonyms
- CT Guided Head Str Bx
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 135
- Ref high
- 980
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- CPT
- 82626
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like severe headache, stiff neck, fever, confusion, or other signs of a brain or spinal cord infection. It’s also used when you’ve had a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to check for contamination or infection.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to avoid certain medications (like antibiotics) for a short time before the test if instructed by your doctor. You’ll likely have a spinal tap performed by a healthcare provider to collect the CSF sample.
How the Test Works
The collected CSF is sent to a lab where it’s examined for signs of infection (e.g., abnormal cells, bacteria, or yeast). Microbes are grown in a lab setting to identify them, and antibiotic sensitivity testing determines which drugs will most effectively treat the infection.
What the Results Mean
Positive results for microbes indicate an infection, which may require immediate treatment with antibiotics. Negative results mean no obvious infection was found, but further testing may still be needed. Your doctor will discuss results and next steps with you.
Reference range
NCBI: DHEA-S Male 135-980 µg/dL; Female 30-260 µg/dLN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
CSF cultures are critical for diagnosing infections like bacterial meningitis, encephalitis, or other cerebrospinal infections. Accurate identification of the causative agent ensures appropriate and effective antibiotic treatment, reducing complications and improving recovery.
Short name
CSF Culture & Antibiotics
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results from this test?
What are common symptoms that might lead to this test?
Is there any risk or discomfort associated with this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy