CSF
CSF
CSF
Appearance
• Normal CSF is crystal clear and the
consistency of water.
• The major terminology used to describe CSF
appearance includes crystal clear, cloudy or
turbid, milky, xanthochromic, and bloody.
Cloudy, turbid or milky
• May be caused by WBCs (over 200 cells/µl).
• RBCs (over 400 cells/µl)
• Microorganisms (bacteria, fungi, amebas)
Specific gravity: 1.006 – 1.008
pH : Alkaline
Spontaneous clotting
• Clotting occurs when there is an excess of fibrinogen
in the specimen, usually associated with a very high
protein concentration.
• This finding occurs classically in association with
tuberculous meningitis or with tumors in CNS.
Microscopic examination
CSF cell count
Normal CSF RBCs are less than 5/mm3.
The cell count that is routinely performed on CSF
specimen is the WBC's count.
NOTE: Cell counts should be done within 30 minutes
after withdrawal of the specimen to avoid cell
disintegration.
Specimen that can't be analyzed immediately should be
refrigerated.
Causes for increased Neutrophils
Serologic tests:
• VDRL (Venereal Disease Research Laboratory )
Summary