Effective February 24, 2021, Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Xanthochromia results of “Present” will be considered a critical laboratory value.
This change was approved by the MEC and driven by a collaboration between neurology and laboratory departments to assist in expediting the diagnosis and management of patients with possible subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH).
The following disclaimer will also be attached to all Xanthochromia results: “Xanthochromia is assessed by visual inspection. If the appropriate history and symptoms are present, CSF xanthochromia is suggestive of subarachnoid blood, either as part of an inflammatory reaction such as meningitis, or after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH). Xanthochromia must be viewed within the appropriate clinical context.”
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TEST INFORMATION:
Cell Count w/ Differential if indicated, Cerebrospinal Fluid – Epic code #LAB2111025, CPT #89050, 89051, 89050, Interface code #10328