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CSF analysisDefinition: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a laboratory test to measure proteins, sugar (glucose), and other chemicals in the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.
Alternative Names: CSF chemistry; Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
How the test is performed: A sample of CSF is needed. A spinal tap is the most common way to collect this sample. For information on this procedure, see the article on lumbar puncture . Other methods for collecting CSF are rarely used, but may be recommended in some cases. See also: After the sample is taken, it is sent to the laboratory for evaluation.
Why the test is performed: Analysis of CSF can help detect certain conditions or diseases. Specifically, the test looks at the following in a sample of CSF:
Normal Values: - 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 and 0 red blood cells
- Chloride: 700 to 750 mg/dL
- Fungus: None
- Glucose: 50 to 80 mg/100 mL
- Glutamine: 6 to 15 mg/dL
- Lactate dehydrogenase: less than 2.0 to 7.2 U/mL
- Oligoclonal bands: 1 or 0 bandings
- Protein : 15 to 45 mg/dL
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results mean: An abnormal CSF analysis may be due to:
What the risks are: For information regarding risks of a spinal tap, see: Lumbar puncture
References: Griggs RC, Józefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 418.
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| Review Date: 11/13/2008
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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