BACK TOTOP Browse A-ZSearchBrowse A-ZABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0-9 E-mail FormEmail ResultsName:Email address:Recipients Name:Recipients address:Message: Print-FriendlyBookmarksbookmarks-menuCSF analysisCerebrospinal fluid analysisCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a group of laboratory tests that measure chemicals in the cerebrospinal fluid. CSF is a clear 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:Lumbar punctureCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cisternal puncture Cisternal punctureCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Removal of CSF from a tube that is already in the CSF, such as a shunt, ventricular drain, or pain pump Ventricular punctureVentricular punctureCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article After the sample is taken, it is sent to the laboratory for evaluation.Your health care provider will ask you to lie flat for at least one hour after the lumbar puncture. You may develop a headache after the lumbar puncture. If it happens, fluids and drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea or soda may help. How to Prepare for the Test Your provider will tell you how to prepare for lumbar puncture. Make sure to let them know all of the medicines you are taking in case any adjustment is needed.Lumbar punctureCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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, using a VDRL test) VDRL testThe CSF-VDRL test is used to help diagnose neurosyphilis. It looks for substances (proteins) called antibodies, which are sometimes produced by the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cell count Cell countA CSF cell count is a test to measure the number of red and white blood cells that are in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that is in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chloride Cryptococcal antigen CryptococcalCryptococcal meningitis is a fungal infection of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord. These tissues are called meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Glucose GlucoseA CSF glucose test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that flows in the space surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Glutamine Lactate dehydrogenase Lactate dehydrogenaseLactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a protein that helps produce energy in the body. An LDH test measures the amount of LDH in the blood.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Oligoclonal banding to look for specific proteins Oligoclonal bandingCSF oligoclonal banding is a test to look for inflammation-related proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the clear fluid that flows in t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Myelin basic protein Total protein Total proteinCSF total protein is a test to determine the amount of protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that is in the space around the sp...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Whether there are cancerous cells present (CSF cytology) Opening pressure 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: 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) ProteinProteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Opening pressure: 70 to 180 mm of water Myelin basic protein: Less than 4ng/mLNormal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider 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. What Abnormal Results Mean An abnormal CSF analysis result may be due to many different causes, including: Cancer Encephalitis (such as Herpes simplex, West Nile, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus) EncephalitisEncephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, most often due to infections.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatic encephalopathy Hepatic encephalopathyLoss of brain function occurs when the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood. This is called hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This problem ma...Read Article Now Book Mark Article High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) Infection Inflammation Reye syndrome Reye syndromeReye syndrome is characterized by sudden (acute) brain damage and liver function problems. This condition does not have a known cause. This syndrome...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Meningitis due to bacteria, fungus, tuberculosis, or a virus MeningitisMeningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple sclerosis (MS) Alzheimer disease Pseudotumor cerebrii Normal pressure hydrocephalusOpen ReferencesReferencesEuerle BD. Spinal puncture and cerebrospinal fluid examination. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 60.Rosenberg GA. Brain edema and disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022: chap 88.Schnapp BH, Jewell C. Central nervous system infections. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 95.AllVideoImagesTogLumbar puncture (spinal tap) - illustration A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid to check for the presence of disease or injury. A spinal needle is inserted, usually between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae in the lower spine. Once the needle is properly positioned in the subarachnoid space (the space between the spinal cord and its covering, the meninges), pressures can be measured and fluid can be collected for testing.Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)illustrationCSF 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 third and fourth lumbar vertebrae and the CSF fluid is collected for testing.CSF chemistryillustrationLumbar puncture (spinal tap) - illustration A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a procedure to collect cerebrospinal fluid to check for the presence of disease or injury. A spinal needle is inserted, usually between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae in the lower spine. Once the needle is properly positioned in the subarachnoid space (the space between the spinal cord and its covering, the meninges), pressures can be measured and fluid can be collected for testing.Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)illustrationCSF 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 third and fourth lumbar vertebrae and the CSF fluid is collected for testing.CSF chemistryillustration Tests for CSF analysis CSF analysisCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collectionRelated Information CSF cell count(Medical Test)Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture(Medical Test)CSF total protein(Medical Test)CSF glucose test(Medical Test)CSF-VDRL test(Medical Test)CSF coccidioides complement fixation test(Medical Test)CSF oligoclonal banding(Medical Test)Lactate dehydrogenase test(Medical Test)Cytologic evaluation(Special Topic)Loss of brain function - liver disease(Condition) Review Date: 4/29/2023 Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, 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. No warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, is made as to the accuracy, reliability, timeliness, or correctness of any translations made by a third-party service of the information provided herein into any other language. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. © 1997- All rights reserved. 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.
CSF analysisCerebrospinal fluid analysisCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a group of laboratory tests that measure chemicals in the cerebrospinal fluid. CSF is a clear 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:Lumbar punctureCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cisternal puncture Cisternal punctureCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Removal of CSF from a tube that is already in the CSF, such as a shunt, ventricular drain, or pain pump Ventricular punctureVentricular punctureCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article After the sample is taken, it is sent to the laboratory for evaluation.Your health care provider will ask you to lie flat for at least one hour after the lumbar puncture. You may develop a headache after the lumbar puncture. If it happens, fluids and drinking caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea or soda may help. How to Prepare for the Test Your provider will tell you how to prepare for lumbar puncture. Make sure to let them know all of the medicines you are taking in case any adjustment is needed.Lumbar punctureCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article 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, using a VDRL test) VDRL testThe CSF-VDRL test is used to help diagnose neurosyphilis. It looks for substances (proteins) called antibodies, which are sometimes produced by the ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Cell count Cell countA CSF cell count is a test to measure the number of red and white blood cells that are in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that is in...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Chloride Cryptococcal antigen CryptococcalCryptococcal meningitis is a fungal infection of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord. These tissues are called meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Glucose GlucoseA CSF glucose test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that flows in the space surrounding...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Glutamine Lactate dehydrogenase Lactate dehydrogenaseLactate dehydrogenase (LDH) is a protein that helps produce energy in the body. An LDH test measures the amount of LDH in the blood.Read Article Now Book Mark Article Oligoclonal banding to look for specific proteins Oligoclonal bandingCSF oligoclonal banding is a test to look for inflammation-related proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is the clear fluid that flows in t...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Myelin basic protein Total protein Total proteinCSF total protein is a test to determine the amount of protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that is in the space around the sp...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Whether there are cancerous cells present (CSF cytology) Opening pressure 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: 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) ProteinProteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. ...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Opening pressure: 70 to 180 mm of water Myelin basic protein: Less than 4ng/mLNormal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your provider 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. What Abnormal Results Mean An abnormal CSF analysis result may be due to many different causes, including: Cancer Encephalitis (such as Herpes simplex, West Nile, and Eastern Equine Encephalitis virus) EncephalitisEncephalitis is irritation and swelling (inflammation) of the brain, most often due to infections.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Hepatic encephalopathy Hepatic encephalopathyLoss of brain function occurs when the liver is unable to remove toxins from the blood. This is called hepatic encephalopathy (HE). This problem ma...Read Article Now Book Mark Article High blood sugar (hyperglycemia) Infection Inflammation Reye syndrome Reye syndromeReye syndrome is characterized by sudden (acute) brain damage and liver function problems. This condition does not have a known cause. This syndrome...ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Meningitis due to bacteria, fungus, tuberculosis, or a virus MeningitisMeningitis is an infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This covering is called the meninges.ImageRead Article Now Book Mark Article Multiple sclerosis (MS) Alzheimer disease Pseudotumor cerebrii Normal pressure hydrocephalusOpen ReferencesReferencesEuerle BD. Spinal puncture and cerebrospinal fluid examination. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical Procedures in Emergency Medicine and Acute Care. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2019:chap 60.Rosenberg GA. Brain edema and disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. In: Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, Newman NJ, eds. Bradley and Daroff's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022: chap 88.Schnapp BH, Jewell C. Central nervous system infections. In: Walls RM, ed. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 10th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 95.