CSF collection

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

CSF chemistry

CSF collection

Definition:

Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test tosample and measure pressureinthe fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Cerebral spinal fluid actslike a cushion, protecting the brain and spinefrom injury. The fluid is normally clear.

See also CSF culture.

Alternative Names:
Spinal tap; Ventricular puncture; Lumbar puncture; Cisternal puncture; Cerebral spinal fluid culture
How the test is performed:

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There are different ways to get a sample of spinal fluid. Lumbar puncture, commonly called a spinal tap,is the most common method. The test is usually performed in the following manner:

The patient must lay on his or her side, with the knees pulled uptoward the chest, and the chin tucked downward. Sometimes the test is donewith the person sitting up, but bent over.
After theback is cleaned, the health care provider will inject a local numbing medicine (anesthetic) into the lower spine.
A spinal needle is inserted,usually between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae.
Once the needle is properly positioned, spinal fluid pressure is measured, and fluid is collected.
The needle is removed, the area is cleaned, and a bandage is placed over the needle site.The patientwill needto remain flat for 20 minutes to 1 hour after the test.

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 ofCSF collection are rarely used, but may benecessary in in the event of a back deformity or infection.

Cisternal puncture uses a needleplaced below the occipital bone (back of the skull). It can bedangerous because it is soclose to the brain stem.

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.

How to prepare for the test:

The patient (or guardian) must sign a consent for. The patient mustremain in the hospital for at least several hours after the test for observation.

How the test will feel:

The position may be uncomfortable, but it is imperative that the patient staysin the bended position to avoid moving the needle and possibly injuring the spinal cord.

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 (meninges). This pain should stop in a few seconds.