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A 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 circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain.
How the test is performedA sample of CSF is needed. A lumbar puncture (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, by 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 evaluation.
How to prepare for the testSee: Lumbar puncture
How the test will feelSee: Lumbar puncture
Why the test is performedThe CSF cell count may help diagnose meningitis and infection of the brain or spinal cord, a tumor, abscess, or area of tissue death (infarct), and it helps identify inflammation. The cell count may also help identify a hemorrhage.
Normal ValuesThe normal white blood cell count is between 0 and 5. The normal red blood cell count is 0.
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 meanAn increase of white blood cells indicates infection, inflammation, or bleeding into the cerebrospinal fluid. Some causes include:
- Abscess
- Acuteinfection
- Encephalitis
- Hemorrhage
- Meningitis
- Multiple sclerosis
- Stroke
- Tumor
Finding red blood cells in the CSF may be a sign of bleeding. However, red blood cells in the CSF may also be due to the spinal tap needle hitting a blood vessel while entering the skin or dura.
It is important to see if the red blood cell count returns to normal in samples taken later in the procedure as opposed to earlier. A ratio of the red blood cells to the white blood cells is also calculated to help with diagnosis.
Additional conditions which this test may help diagnose include:
- Arteriovenous malformation (cerebral)
- Cerebral aneurysm
- Delirium
- Dementia
- Epilepsy
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Hemorrhagic stroke
- Neurosyphilis
- Primary lymphoma of the brain
- Spinal tumor
- Stroke secondary to syphilis
- Syphilitic aseptic meningitis
- Syphilitic myelopathy
Risks of lumbar puncture include:
- Allergic reaction to the anesthetic
- Discomfort during the test
- Headache after the test
- Bleeding into the spinal canal
- Infection
Brain herniationmay occur if performed on a person with a mass in the brain such as a tumor or abscess. This can result in brain damage or death. For this reason, a lumbar puncture is not done if other tests show signs of a tumor or abscess.
There may be temporary leg discomfort if a nerve root is irritated by the needle. This passes when the needle is withdrawn.
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.
What else can I help you with?
Is glucose found in CSF fluid?
Yes, glucose is found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Glucose is one of the primary sources of energy for the brain and is transported from the blood into the CSF to support normal brain function. Monitoring glucose levels in CSF is important in diagnosing certain neurological conditions.
Two hormones that stimulate white blood cells production are?
Two hormones that stimulate white blood cell production are granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). These hormones play a critical role in regulating the growth and differentiation of white blood cells in the body.
What is the normal flora of CSF?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically a sterile fluid, meaning it should not contain any normal flora. The presence of bacteria in the CSF is abnormal and can indicate an infection, such as meningitis.
Absorption at the arachnoid granulations returns CSF to the?
Absorption at the arachnoid granulations returns cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to the bloodstream by allowing CSF to enter the venous circulation. This process helps maintain the balance of CSF in the brain and spinal cord.
Most CSF id produced within what ventricle?
Most cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced within the lateral ventricles of the brain.
What causes high nucleated cell count in CSF?
multiple sclerosis
What to expect from lab results in Guilliain-barre?
The typical finding in Cerebro Spinal Fluid(CSF) of Guillian- Barre syndrome is known as Albumino Cytological dissociation, which means high protein and a low cell count which does not go with the amount of protein detected in CSF.
What is G-CSF?
A growth factor that stimulates white cell production
How do you examine cerebrospinal fluid?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be examined through a procedure called lumbar puncture or spinal tap. A needle is inserted into the lower back to collect a sample of CSF, which can then be analyzed for various purposes such as detecting infections, bleeding, or abnormalities in the brain and spinal cord. The collected CSF may undergo tests like cell count, protein and glucose levels, culture, and cytology to help diagnose and monitor conditions affecting the central nervous system.
What does 5.1 white blood cell count mean?
Assuming you are referring to a CSF count and not a blood test, it means you likely have no infection. A normal CSF white count ranges from 0-5, varying from person to person, a higher number likely means you have an infection causing a high white count. One is a perfectly normal number (assuming you are healthy, in most cases) and should be of no cause for alarm. However if you took a blood test and your white count is one, get to a clean room and settle your affairs.
What is in CSF?
CsF is the chemical formula of caesium fluoride.
Which neuroglial cell is responsible for circulating the CSF around the brain and spinal cord?
The ependymal cells.
What does is mean to have a 90000 on a rbc csf test?
A result of 90,000 on a red blood cell (RBC) count in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) indicates a significant presence of red blood cells, which is abnormal. This can suggest conditions such as a hemorrhage in the central nervous system, such as a subarachnoid hemorrhage or a traumatic tap during lumbar puncture. It is crucial for healthcare professionals to interpret this result in conjunction with clinical symptoms and other diagnostic findings to determine the underlying cause and appropriate management.
When was Colnago-CSF Bardiani created?
Colnago-CSF Bardiani was created in 1982.
Why is csf protein in newborn is high normally?
Since blood-csf barrier is not well developed in neonates protein leak from blood to csf occurs...so csf protein is high in neonates and infants...for similar reason csf protein is elevated in all meningitis due to vascular permeability...
Is glucose found in CSF fluid?
Yes, glucose is found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Glucose is one of the primary sources of energy for the brain and is transported from the blood into the CSF to support normal brain function. Monitoring glucose levels in CSF is important in diagnosing certain neurological conditions.
Two hormones that stimulate white blood cells production are?
Two hormones that stimulate white blood cell production are granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF). These hormones play a critical role in regulating the growth and differentiation of white blood cells in the body.
