Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis Archives - Page 3 of 3

Which conditions can cause abnormal visual appearance of CSF?

Appearance Clear Turbid Yellow / Orange / Pink Green Brown Cause Normal appearance Raised WBC count (>200/mm3)Raised RBC count (>400/mm3) Xanthochromia: subarachnoid haemorrhage, artifactual red cell lysis HyperbilirubinemiaHigh carotenoids ingestionRifampicin...

What is the normal CSF opening pressure? What can lead to physiological variation?

Normal CSF opening pressure 5-20 cm H2O May be up to 25 cm H2O in obese Opening pressure >25 cm H2O diagnostic of intracranial hypertension Meniscus fluctuates: 2-5mm with pulse 4-10mm with respiration Must be measured in the lateral decubitus position: Levels vary...

Which investigations can be performed on CSF?

Routinely Performed Opening pressureTotal Cell count (WBC & RBC)Cell differential countGlucose (CSF/plasma ratio)Total protein Useful in Specific Situations Microbiological stains:Gram stainAcid-Fast stainMicrobiological cultures:Bacterial cultureFungal cultureTB...

What is a normal CSF glucose level?

A true normal range cannot be given for CSF glucose As a general rule, CSF glucose is 50-66% of serum glucose: Serum glucose must be measured within 2 hours Ratio decreases with increasing serum levels (generally does not go above 16.7 mmol/L regardless of serum...

What are the characteristic CSF findings of subarachnoid haemorrhage? How do they compare with that of a ‘traumatic tap’?

Opening Pressure (cm/H2O) Appearance RBC (per mm3) WCC (per mm3) Protein (g/L) Glucose-Serum Ratio Xanthochromia Normal 5-20 Clear <5 <3 0.2-0.4 0.5-0.66(2.5-3.5 mmol/L) - Subarachnoid Haemorrhage May be Elevated (60% of cases) Grossly bloody to clear...

Next Entries »