Table of Contents
- Overview
- Results
- Risks
- Prevention
- Images
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a group of laboratory tests that measure proteins, sugar (glucose), and other chemicals in the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.
Alternative Names
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
How the test is performed
A sample of CSF is needed. A
Cisternal puncture - Removal of CSF from a tube that is already in the CSF, such as a shunt or ventricular drain
Ventricular puncture
After the sample is taken, it is sent to the laboratory for evaluation.
How to prepare for the test
See:
How the test will feel
See:
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; see:
VDRL test ) Cell count - Chloride
-
Cryptococcal antigen Glucose - Glutamine
Lactate dehydrogenase -
Oligoclonal banding to look for specific proteins Total protein - Whether there are cancerous cells present
Images
Review Date: 06/24/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of
General Medicine Department of Medicine, University of Washington
School of Medicine; and Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant
Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of
Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David
Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
A.D.A.M., Inc. is accredited by URAC, also known as the American Accreditation HealthCare Commission (www.urac.org)
