Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: Uses & Preparations
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless, and watery fluid that flows in and around the brain and spinal cord. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. It directs and coordinates everything you do, including the capacity to -
- Move
- Breathe
- See, and
- Think.
Cerebrospinal fluid works as a cushion, protecting the brain and spinal cord from unexpected brain injury. The fluid also helps the central nervous system function properly by removing waste products from the brain.
A CSF analysis is a series of tests that use a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to help detect brain and spinal cord problems and other conditions affecting the central nervous system.
Other Names: CSF Analysis and Spinal Fluid Analysis
What is CSF Analysis Used for?
A CSF analysis determines the concentration of various chemicals in the cerebrospinal fluid. It may include diagnostic tests such as:
- Meningitis and encephalitis are infectious disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord. CSF infection tests examine white blood cells, bacteria, and other substances in the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Guillain-Barré Syndrome and multiple sclerosis are examples of autoimmune illnesses (MS). The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing for specific disorders checks for excessive amounts of certain proteins.
- Bleeding in the brain
- Brain tumors, including malignancies, have progressed to the central nervous system from other areas of the body.
- The most frequent type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, characterized by memory loss, disorientation, and behavioral abnormalities.
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Why do I need a CSF Analysis?
The doctor may require a CSF analysis if you have the following:
- Symptoms of spinal cord infection or bleeding
- Manifestations of an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Suffered a brain or spinal cord injury
- Individuals may have cancer that has progressed to the central nervous system.
Symptoms, such as headaches, could be caused by another central nervous system disorder. A brain or spinal cord infection can cause the following symptoms:
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms can vary and come and go, or they can worsen gradually. They may consist of the following:
What happens during a CSF Analysis?
A spinal tap, also called a lumbar puncture, is a treatment carried out by a healthcare professional to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. Usually, a spinal tap is performed at a hospital.
p>During the procedure:
- Individuals will sit on an exam table or lie on the side.
- To make the treatment painless, a provider will clean the back and inject an anesthetic under the skin. Before this injection, the healthcare professional could inject an anesthetic drug into the back.
- The healthcare professional will place a small, hollow needle between two vertebrae in the lower spine once the area on the back is entirely numb. The spine is made up of little backbones called vertebrae.
- The healthcare provider will take out a small amount of CSF fluid for testing.
- This will take approximately five minutes.
- One must remain completely still while the fluid is withdrawn.
How do I Prepare for the CSF Test?
A CSF study does not require any specific preparations. However, before the test, you may be asked to empty the bladder (pee) and bowels (poop).
Are there any Risks to the CSF Test?
A spinal tap poses a very minimal danger. When the needle is inserted, individuals may feel a pinch or pressure. After the test, individuals may have soreness or tenderness in the back where the needle was put.
One may also experience bleeding or a headache on the spot.
The headache could last several hours, a week, or longer, but the provider may recommend treatment to help ease the pain.
What do the Results of CSF mean?
A CSF analysis of the sample may include several different tests. As a result, the measurements in the test results will vary depending on which tests are performed. The physician can explain the significance of the results.
The CSF analysis results may indicate an infection, an autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis (MS), or another brain or spinal cord disease or injury. The doctor will most likely prescribe more tests to confirm the diagnosis.
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Normal Results of CSF
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: 0 to 5 white blood cells (all mononuclear) and 0 red blood cells
- Chloride: 110 to 125 mEq/L (110 to 125 mmol/L)
- Fungus: None
- Gamma globulin: 3% to 12% of the total protein
- 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 40 U/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)
- Opening pressure: 70 to 180 mm of water
- Myelin basic protein: Less than 4ng/mL
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among laboratories. Consult your physician about the meaning of your individual test results.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An abnormal CSF analysis result can be caused by various factors, including:
- Infection
- Hepatic encephalopathy
- Cancer
- Encephalitis
- High blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
- Inflammation
- Pseudotumor cerebri
- Reye syndrome
- Meningitis due to bacteria, fungus, tuberculosis, or a virus
- Normal pressure hydrocephalus
- Alzheimer disease
Additional information about a CSF Analysis
Some infections, such as bacterial meningitis, are life-threatening. If the healthcare provider suspects individuals have bacterial meningitis or another dangerous infection, patients may need to begin treatment before receiving a definite diagnosis.
