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CSF glucose test

Updated: 9/27/2023
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Definition

A 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 the spinal cord and brain.

See also:

Alternative Names

Glucose test - CSF; Cerebrospinal fluid glucose test

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. 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. They include:

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

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

How to prepare for the test

See: Lumbar puncture

How the test will feel

See: Lumbar puncture

Why the test is performed

This test may be done to diagnose tumors, infections, inflammation of the central nervous system, delirium, and other neurological and medical conditions.

Normal Values

The glucose level in the CSF should be 50 - 80 mg/100 mL (or greater than 2/3 of the blood sugar level).

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

Abnormal results include increased and decreased glucose levels. Abnormal results may be due to:

  • Infection (bacterial or fungus)
  • Inflammation of the central nervous system
  • Tumor
What the risks are

See: Lumbar puncture

ReferencesGriggs RC, Jozefowicz 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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Wiki User

12y ago
Definition

A 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 the spinal cord and brain.

See also:

Alternative Names

Glucose test - CSF; Cerebrospinal fluid glucose test

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. 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. They include:

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

The sample is sent to a laboratory for testing.

How to prepare for the test

See: Lumbar puncture

How the test will feel

See: Lumbar puncture

Why the test is performed

This test may be done to diagnose tumors, infections, inflammation of the central nervous system, delirium, and other neurological and medical conditions.

Normal Values

The glucose level in the CSF should be 50 - 80 mg/100 mL (or greater than 2/3 of the blood sugar level).

Note: 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.

What abnormal results mean

Abnormal results include increased and decreased glucose levels. Abnormal results may be due to:

  • Infection (bacterial or fungus)
  • Inflammation of the central nervous system
  • Tumor
What the risks are

See: Lumbar puncture

References

Griggs RC, Jozefowicz 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.

Rosenberg GA. Brain edema and disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. In: Bradley WG, Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, eds. Bradley: Neurology in Clinical Practice. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Butterworth-Heinemann Elsevier; 2008:chap 63.

Reviewed By

Review Date: 06/18/2011

David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Kevin Sheth, MD, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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Continue Learning about Chemistry

How much cerebrospinal fluid does brain contain?

CSF volume is 150mls and the daily production of CSF is 550mls/day. Effectively meaning that CSF changes 3-4 times a day


Is the compound CsF ionic or molecular?

Ionic.


What compounds would you expect to contain ionic bonds SrI2 SO2 Li2O BrCl CsF CaCl2?

Li2O CsF CaCl2 are all ionic


Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) collection?

DefinitionCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid acts as a cushion, protecting the brain and spine from injury. The fluid is normally clear. The test is also used to measure pressure in the spinal fluid.See also: CSF cultureAlternative NamesSpinal tap; Ventricular puncture; Lumbar puncture; Cisternal puncture; Cerebral spinal fluid cultureHow the test is performedThere are different ways to get a sample of CSF. Lumbar puncture, commonly called a spinal tap, is the most common method. The test is usually done like this:The patient lies on his or her side, with knees pulled up toward the chest, and chin tucked downward. Sometimes the test is done with the person sitting up, but bent forward.After the back is cleaned, the health care provider will inject a local numbing medicine (anesthetic) into the lower spine.A spinal needle is inserted, usually into the lower back area.Once the needle is properly positioned, CSF pressure is measured and a sample is collected.The needle is removed, the area is cleaned, and a bandage is placed over the needle site. The person is often asked to lie down for a short time after the test.Occasionally, special x-rays are used to help guide the needle into the proper position. This is called fluoroscopy.Lumbar puncture with fluid collection may also be part of other procedures, particularly a myelogram (x-ray or CT scan after dye has been inserted into the CSF).Alternative methods of CSF collection are rarely used, but may be necessary if the person has a back deformity or an infection.Cisternal puncture uses a needle placed below the occipital bone (back of the skull). It can be dangerous because it is so close to the brain stem. It is always done with fluoroscopy.Ventricular puncture is even more rare, but may be recommended in people with possible brain herniation. This test is usually done in the operating room. A hole is drilled in the skull, and a needle is inserted directly into one of brain's ventricles.CSF may also be collected from a tube that's already placed in the fluid, such as a shunt or a venitricular drain. These sorts of tubes are usually placed in the intensive care unit.How to prepare for the testThe patient (or guardian) must give the health care team permission to do the test.Afterward, you should plan to rest for several hours, even if you feel fine. You won't be required to lie flat on your back the entire time, but rest is advised to prevent additional leakage of CSF around the site of the puncture.How the test will feelThe test is usually done with you curled up on your side with knees pulled up and chin to chest. Sometimes, CSF is collected with the person seated and bent forward over a table or chair. Holding the position may be uncomfortable, but it is extremely important to stay in this bent position to avoid moving the needle and possibly injuring the spinal cord. The person doing the test may ask you to straighten out slightly after the needle is in place, in order to accurately measure the CSF pressure, called the "opening pressure."The anesthetic will sting or burn when first injected. There will be a hard pressure sensation when the needle is inserted, and there is usually some brief pain when the needle goes through the tissue surrounding the spinal cord. This pain should stop in a few seconds.Overall, discomfort is minimal to moderate. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, but it may take longer. The actual pressure measurements and CSF collection only take a few minutes.Why the test is performedThis test is done to measure pressures within the cerebrospinal fluid and to collect a sample of the fluid for further testing. CSF analysis can be used to diagnose certain neurologic disorders, particularly infections (such as meningitis) and brain or spinal cord damage.See also:CSF coccidioides complement fixationCSF oligoclonal bandingCSF smearCSF VDRL testNormal ValuesNormal values typically range as follows:Pressure: 70 - 180 mm H20Appearance: clear, colorlessCSF total protein: 15 - 60 mg/100 mLGamma globulin: 3 - 12% of the total proteinCSF glucose: 50 - 80 mg/100 mL (or greater than 2/3 of blood sugar level)CSF cell count: 0 - 5 white blood cells (all mononuclear), and no red blood cellsChloride: 110 - 125 mEq/LNote: mg/mL = milligrams per milliliter; mEq/L = milliequivalents per literNote: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.What abnormal results meanIf the CSF looks cloudy, it could mean there is an infection or a build up of white blood cells or protein.If the CSF looks bloody or red, it may be a sign of bleeding or spinal cord obstruction. If it is brown, orange, or yellow, it may be a sign of increased CSF protein or previous bleeding (more than 3 days ago). Occasionally, there may be blood in the sample that came from the spinal tap intself. This makes it harder to interpret the test results.Increased CSF pressure may be due to increased intracranial pressure (pressure within the skull). Decreased CSF pressure may be due to spinal cord tumor, shock, fainting, or diabetic coma.Increased CSF protein may be due to blood in the CSF, diabetes, polyneuritis, tumor, injury, or any inflammatory or infectious condition. Decreased protein is a sign of rapid CSF production.Increased CSF gamma globulin levels may be due to diseases such as multiple sclerosis, neurosyphilis, or Guillain-Barre syndrome.Increased CSF glucose is a sign of high blood sugar. Decreased CSF glucose may be due to hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), bacterial or fungal infection (such as meningitis), tuberculosis, or certain other types of meningitis.Increased white blood cells in the CSF may be a sign of meningitis, acuteinfection, beginning of a chronic illness, tumor, abscess,stroke, or demyelinating disease (such as multiple sclerosis).Red blood cells in the CSF sample may be a sign of bleeding into the spinal fluid or the result of a traumatic lumbar puncture.Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:Chronic inflammatory polyneuropathyDementia due to metabolic causesEncephalitisEpilepsyFebrile seizure (children)Generalized tonic-clonic seizureHydrocephalusInhalation anthraxNormal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH)Pituitary tumorReye syndromeWhat the risks areRisks of lumbar puncture include:Bleeding into the spinal canalDiscomfort during the testHeadache after the testHypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to the anestheticInfection introduced by the needle going through the skinThere is an increased risk of bleeding in people who take blood thinners.Brain herniation may occur if this test is done on a person with a mass in the brain (such as a tumor or abscess). This can result in brain damage or death. This test is not done if an exam or test reveals signs of a brain mass.Damage to the nerves in the spinal cord may occur, particularly if the person moves during the test.Cisternal puncture or ventricular puncture carry additional risks of brain or spinal cord damage and bleeding within the brain.Special considerationsThis test is particularly dangerous for people with:A tumor in the back of the brain that is pressing down on the brain stemBlood clotting problemsThrombocytopeniaReferencesGriggs RC, Jozefowicz 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.


What is the correct name for the compound CsF?

Cesium fluoride

Related questions

Is glucose found in CSF fluid?

Yes. Glucose is found there in CSF fluid. CSF glucose level is commonly done by your doctor.


How does glucose and oxygen travel to the brain?

In blood and CSF


What can glucose tests detect?

increased blood glucose (hyperglycemia), decreased blood glucose (hypoglycemia), increased glucose in the urine (glycosuria), and decreased glucose in CSF, serous, and synovial fluid glucose.


What are glucose tests used for?

Glucose tests are used to determine the concentration of glucose in blood, urine, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and other body fluids.


Is CSF a vascular system test?

yes


What is the removal of CSF?

In a lumbar puncture (LP) procedure, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is removed for analysis of protein, glucose, bacteria, etc., to assist in neurologic disease diagnosis.


Why csf sugar is always carried with rbc?

Because rbc's carry glucose (which is blood sugars).


Why does bacterial meningitis cause a greatly lower than normal percentage of glucose to be present in CSF?

The bacteria are essentially "eating" the host's glucose, and using it for their own nutrition and energy production.


What diagnostic test involves collecting a sample of CSF?

A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is the procedure where a needle is inserted into the subarachnoid space to draw a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).


What is in CSF?

CsF is the chemical formula of caesium fluoride.


What is a cerebrospinal fluid?

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a laboratory test to examine a sample of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord.


What is the normal flora of CSF?

there ara no microbial normal flora in the csf