Pretty fast: The initial results of a spinal tap usually take less than 30 min to run in most hospitals. You should have the results of the cell count and the chemistry(glucose and protein)very fast.A gram stain to look for bacteria is also done very quickly. What may take longer is the definition of the type of organism(1-5d). Special tests for multiple sclerosis or prion disease may take longer(a few days).
Answered 8/18/2020
4.9k views
Lab dependent: Hospital labs - less than an hour for chemistry, cell counts. Few hours for gram stain, up to a few days for cultures and sensitivities. Outpatient labs such as from your neurology office (outsourced processing) takes longer.
Answered 6/23/2017
4.9k views
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