The Center is supported by the CDC and sponsored by the American Association of Neuropathologists.

Protocols / Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Protocol:

  • The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) should be obtained by lumbar puncture.  The first 2ml of CSF that flows from the tap should be discarded.  Collect 2-5ml of CSF, avoiding bloody tap.
  • The CSF should be frozen as quickly as possible (preferably within  20 minutes) and stored at -80°C freezer (or, lacking that, in a -20°C freezer) until shipment on dry ice.
Note: Please send fixed and frozen tissue samples in separate containers to avoid freezing of the fixed tissue, which can result in artifacts. See the Shipping Instructions for more information.