Skip to content

: Drain Output (10-Hour Collection) — Cerebral Ventricular Fluid

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

: This test measures the volume of fluid collected from a cerebral ventricular drain over a 10-hour period. It is used to monitor cerebrospinal fluid drainage in patients with an external ventricular drain.

Quick summary

[": The test quantifies how much cerebrospinal fluid has drained from the brain's ventricles over 10 hours to help guide fluid management."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
9125-6
Short code
Drain output 10h Cerebral vents
Synonyms
Drain output 10h Cerebral vents
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
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

: What Is Being Measured

: The test measures the volume of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that drains from a catheter placed in the brain's ventricles over a 10-hour interval. This drain is called an external ventricular drain (EVD).

: Why the Test Is Done

: Doctors use this measurement to track how much CSF is being removed and to help manage pressure inside the head. It can guide decisions about drain settings and fluid replacement.

: How the Sample Is Collected

: The fluid is collected from the drainage system connected to the ventricular catheter. Nursing or clinical staff record the volume accumulated over the specified 10-hour period.

: What the Results Mean

: The reported volume reflects the amount of CSF drained during the collection window. Your care team interprets this value alongside intracranial pressure readings and your overall clinical picture; there is no single universal reference range.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

: Drain output monitoring is important in patients with external ventricular drains because it helps assess CSF production and drainage balance, supports management of intracranial pressure, and can signal changes such as over-drainage or obstruction that require clinical attention.

Short name

: Ventricular Drain Output

Frequently asked questions

: Is this a blood test?
: No. This test measures the volume of cerebrospinal fluid collected from a ventricular drain, not a blood sample.
: Why is a 10-hour collection used?
: A defined collection period allows the care team to standardize and compare the amount of CSF drained over time, which aids in managing drain settings and intracranial pressure.
: Can I interpret the result on my own?
: No. Drain output must be interpreted by your clinical team together with intracranial pressure, drain settings, and your overall condition; there is no single standard numeric range that applies to everyone.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy