Australia
A 76-year-old male asked:
what exactly is a csf culture & what is its purpose? is it difficult to perform and does it take longer than blood cultures for a result to come back?
2 doctor answers • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. Deborah Josefson answered
Internal Medicine 28 years experience
Spinal tap: CSF is cerebrospinal fluid which is obtained through a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. It would be sent for culture to check for bacterial vs. viral or aseptic meningitis. Depending on the organism being cultured for it can take a few days to weeks for a result
1025 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
2 comments
Dr. Soroosh Armandi commented
Anti-Aging Medicine 16 years experience
I 100 percent agree!
Aug 23, 2016
Dr. Soroosh Armandi commented
Anti-Aging Medicine 16 years experience
The only thing I would add is that a fungal culture can also be added.
Aug 23, 2016
Dr. Marc Serota answered
Dermatology 14 years experience
Similar to blood: A CSF culture is when you take a sample of CSF (usually from a lumbar puncture which samples the CSF from the spinal canal in the lower back - so yes a bit more difficult to perform but still pretty routine) and culture it to see if there are bacteria (or sometimes viruses) growing in it, usually to look for meningitis. It takes the same amount of time as a blood culture (48 hours).
1025 viewsAnswered >2 years ago
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more. Get help now:
Last updated Aug 23, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits
$15 per month
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.