Locations Main Campus: Chesterfield, MO 63017   |   Locations
314-434-1500 314-434-1500   |   Contact Us

Multimedia Encyclopedia

BACK
TO
TOP
 
E-mail Form
Email Results

 
 
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks
bookmarks-menu

CSF analysis

Cerebrospinal fluid analysis

 

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a group of laboratory tests that measure chemicals in the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. The tests may look for proteins, sugar (glucose), and other substances.

How the Test is Performed

 

A sample of CSF is needed. A lumbar puncture , also called a spinal tap, is the most common way to collect this sample. Less common ways to take a fluid sample include:

  • Cisternal puncture
  • Removal of CSF from a tube that is already in the CSF, such as a shunt, ventricular drain, or pain pump
  • Ventricular puncture

After the sample is taken, it is sent to the laboratory for evaluation.

 

How to Prepare for the Test

 

Your health care provider will tell you how to prepare for lumbar puncture .

 

Why the Test is Performed

 

Analysis of CSF can help detect certain conditions and diseases. All of the following can be, but are not always, measured in a sample of CSF:

  • Antibodies and DNA of common viruses
  • Bacteria (including that which causes syphilis; see: VDRL test )
  • Cell count
  • Chloride
  • Cryptococcal antigen
  • Glucose
  • Glutamine
  • Lactate dehydrogenase
  • Oligoclonal banding to look for specific proteins
  • Total protein
  • Whether there are cancerous cells present

 

Normal Results

 

Normal results include:

  • Antibodies and DNA of common viruses: None
  • Bacteria: No bacteria grows in a lab culture
  • Cancerous cells: No cancerous cells present
  • Cell count: less than 5 white blood cells (all mononuclear) and 0 red blood cells
  • Chloride: 110 to 125 mEq/L (110 to 125 mmol/L)
  • Fungus: None
  • Glucose: 50 to 80 mg/dL or 2.77 to 4.44 mmol/L (or greater than two-thirds of blood sugar level)
  • Glutamine: 6 to 15 mg/dL (410.5 to 1,026 micromol/L)
  • Lactate dehydrogenase: less than 2.0 to 7.2 U/mL (0.3 to 0.12 microkat/L)
  • Oligoclonal bands: 0 or 1 bands that are not present in a matched serum sample
  • Protein : 15 to 60 mg/dL (0.15 to 0.6 g/L)

Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

Note: mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter and mmol/L =  millimoles per liter

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

An abnormal CSF analysis result may be due to many different causes, including:

  • Cancer
  • Encephalitis (such as West Nile and Eastern Equine)
  • Hepatic encephalopathy
  • Infection
  • Inflammation
  • Reye syndrome
  • Meningitis due to bacteria, fungus, tuberculosis, or a virus
  • Multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Alzheimer disease
  • Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)

 

 

Open References

References

Griggs RC, Jozefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman's Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 396.

Martorana A, Sancesario GM, Esposito Z, et al. Plasmin system of Alzheimer's disease: CSF Analysis. J Neural Transm . 2012:119:763-769. PMID: 22415062. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22415062 .

Rosenberg GA. Brain edema and disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. In: Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 59.

 
  • CSF chemistry

    CSF chemistry - illustration

    Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain. CSF protects the brain and spinal cord from injury by acting like a liquid cushion. CSF is usually obtained through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). During the procedure, a needle is inserted usually between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae and the CSF fluid is collected for testing.

    CSF chemistry

    illustration

    • CSF chemistry

      CSF chemistry - illustration

      Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain. CSF protects the brain and spinal cord from injury by acting like a liquid cushion. CSF is usually obtained through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). During the procedure, a needle is inserted usually between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae and the CSF fluid is collected for testing.

      CSF chemistry

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for CSF analysis

         
         

        Review Date: 6/1/2015

        Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Kantor Neurology, and Immediate Past President of the Florida Society of Neurology (FSN), Coconut Creek, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

        The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.

         
         
         

         

         

        A.D.A.M. content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.



        Content is best viewed in IE9 or above, Firefox and Google Chrome browser.