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CSF analysis - Overview

Alternative Names

CSF chemistry; Cerebrospinal fluid analysis

Definition of CSF analysis:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a laboratory test to measure proteins, sugar (glucose), and other chemicals in the fluid that surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

How the test is performed:

A sample of CSF is needed. A spinal tap is the most common way to collect this sample. For information on this procedure, see the article on lumbar puncture.

Other methods for collecting CSF are rarely used, but may be recommended in some cases. See also:

After the sample is taken, it is sent to the laboratory for evaluation.

How to prepare for the test:

See: Lumbar puncture

How the test will feel:

See: Lumbar puncture

Why the test is performed:

Analysis of CSF can help detect certain conditions or diseases. Specifically, the test looks at the following 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

CSF chemistry

Reviewed last on: 11/13/2008
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.

References

Griggs RC, Józefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 418.

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