After CSF collection, which step is typically performed immediately?

• A. Ask the patient to lie flat for several hours
• B. Tighten the sample tubes of CSF, label the samples, and fill out the lab requisition orders
• C. Move the patient to recovery area
• D. Send the CSF to the lab without labeling

Answer: (B)

The first action after CSF collection is to secure the specimen and document it for processing. Tightening the sample tubes helps prevent leaks, and labeling the tubes with the patient’s name, date and time of collection, and the tests requested ensures the right sample is matched to the correct patient and that the laboratory knows exactly what analyses to perform. Completing the lab requisition orders alongside the labeling provides the formal request and essential information for tracking and reporting results. While patient safety measures after a lumbar puncture—such as keeping the patient flat for a period—are important, they do not prepare the specimen for testing. Sending CSF to the lab without labeling would risk misidentification and lost results, so securing, labeling, and completing requisitions is the immediate, correct step.