Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that circulates in the
space surrounding the spinal cord and brain. CSF protects the brain
and spinal cord from injury by acting like a liquid cushion. CSF is
usually obtained through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). During the
procedure, a needle is inserted usually between the 3rd and 4th
lumbar vertebrae and the CSF fluid is collected for testing.
Review Date: 04/30/2011
Reviewed By: Kevin Sheth, MD, Department of Neurology, University of Maryland
School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD. Review provided by VeriMed
Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, III, MD,
Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of
Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine;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)
