When meningitis is suspected, which type of specimen is typically received for processing?

When meningitis is suspected, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is the specimen typically received for processing. This is primarily because CSF surrounds the brain and spinal cord, and analysis of this fluid can provide crucial information regarding the presence of infection or inflammation in the central nervous system.

The collection of CSF is usually performed through a procedure known as a lumbar puncture, which specifically targets the area where the fluid can be accessed safely. Tests performed on CSF can include cell counts, biochemical analyses, and microbiological cultures, all of which help in diagnosing different types of meningitis, whether bacterial, viral, or fungal.

In contrast, whole blood, urine, and sputum do not provide the same direct insights into conditions affecting the meninges. While blood tests can help assess overall health and detect signs of infection, they are not as specific for meningitis as CSF analysis. Urine testing might be used to rule out other infections or assess kidney function, and sputum samples pertain more to respiratory infections. Hence, these specimens are not standard in the direct diagnosis of meningitis.