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Harvesting Protocol for Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)

  • Updated July 23, 2024
This protocol explains how to harvest Cerebrospinal Fluid for metabolomics and lipidomics assessments by Gigantest.

Table of Contents

Starting Sample Quantity

For targeted, untargeted lipidomics, metabolomics (endogenous metabolites), drug & chemical detection:

  • Minimum volume: 50 μL < sample volume < 250 μL

The bigger the sample quantity, the better the chance of detecting metabolites with lower intensities. We recommend n=3-5 (at least) for preliminary data, n > 5 for publication. If you cannot have the recommended sample quantity, please let us know so we can find the best solution.

The following protocol is for ONE sample. To collect multiple samples, use multiple tubes for each step.

Collecting CSF

  1. Make sure you have the following materials before you start harvesting:
    • 2mL or 5mL tubes
    • Liquid nitrogen to snap freeze samples
  2. Centrifuge the CSF collection tube at 1000g for 10 minutes at 4˚C to separate the fluid from the cells.
  3. Transfer the supernatant to a new 2 mL tube or 5 mL tube depending on the volume of the CSF collected.
  4. Vortex the 2 mL tube or 5 mL tube and aliquot 200 μL of CSF to several newer 2 mL tubes.
  5. Label the tubes “CSF – Sample Name / Code“.
  6. Snap freeze the 2 mL tubes containing the CSF sample and store at -80˚C in a sample box.

Packaging & Shipping

  • Place the sample boxes containing one aliquot of CSF into a Styrofoam box full of dry ice making sure to surround the sample boxes on all sides.
  • Email the Sample Information Form to info@gigantest.com.
  • Ship via FedEx Priority Overnight or FedEx Standard Overnight, or other express carriers of your choice. Please include our phone number, (667) 312-2914, on the shipping label so that the carrier can contact us when they arrive at our location. Please also select the “Direct Signature Required” option under the “Signature options”.

Ship to:

Gigantest

31 Light Street

3rd Floor

Baltimore, MD 21202

If your samples are located in Maryland, please email Gigantest at info@gigantest.com or call (667) 312-2924 to arrange a sample pick-up. Make sure to keep the samples on dry ice.