CSF Xanthrochromia
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Assay |
CSF Xanthrochromia |
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Key Words |
Cerebrospinal fluid, CSF, CSFH, bilirubin, oxyhaemaglobin, NBA, NOA, haem pigments, SAH |
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Specimen Collection |
CSF sample, collected into a 20ml universal. Minimum of 1ml CSF required for analysis. Protect sample from the light. For more information on the collection of CSF specimens, including specific requirements for CSF Xanthrochomia, see the CSF sample collection page. Samples should not be received via the pneumatic tube system. A blood specimen should be taken at the same time for serum bilirubin and total protein |
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Turnaround time |
Assay available Mon-Fri, and not available weekends, Bank Holidays or out-of-hours. Samples must arrive before 2pm for same day analysis. Target turn around 72hrs. |
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Test indications |
Used in the investigation of subarrachanoid haemorrhage (SAH). CSF Xanthrochromia investigations should only be undertaken in patients suspected of suffering an SAH, where CT scan findings for a cerebral bleed is negative or equivocal. |
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Interferences |
Samples should be taken >12hrs after the suspected event or onset of symptoms. Samples taken >2 weeks after the suspected event may also give false negative results. Protect sample from light as decay of bilirubin may lead to false negative results. If the serum bilirubin >20μmol/L an adjusted NBA is calculated. |
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Reference Range |
A net bilirubin absorbance of <0.007 with a net oxyhaemaglobin absorbance of <0.1 rules out SAH. Interpretation of results, and any associated limitations, will be stated on the report. |
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Net bilirubin absorbance 5.3% Net oxyhaemoglobin absorbance 5.4% |
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N/A |
