Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis
Spinal fluid
A CSF analysis, also known as spinal fluid analysis or CSF testing, comprises a set of tests that utilize a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose various conditions affecting the brain, spinal cord, and the central nervous system. These tests are valuable for identifying neurological diseases, infections, and other health issues that may impact CNS function.
CSF plays a crucial role as a protective cushion for the brain and spinal cord, guarding them against sudden impacts and injuries. Additionally, it serves as a waste disposal system, aiding in the removal of metabolic waste products from the brain. This function is essential for maintaining the optimal functioning of the central nervous system.
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Biomarkers included in this panel:
AB42/AB40 Ratio
Appear CSF
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, watery liquid that flows around the brain and spinal cord, surrounding and protecting them. CSF testing is performed to evaluate the level or concentration of different substances and cells in CSF in order to dia
Learn moreCrenated Erythrocytes (CSF)
Crenated erythrocytes are red blood cells (RBCs) with an irregular, spiked appearance caused by cellular dehydration or exposure to hypertonic environments. In cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), their presence typically reflects structural damage or mechanic
Learn moreCSF Glucose
CSF glucose, also known as cerebrospinal fluid glucose or glycorrhachia, is a measurement used to determine the concentration of glucose in cerebrospinal fluid. The normal reference range for CSF glucose is typically between 50-80 mg/dL. If the le
Learn moreCSF RBC
Normally no red blood cells are present in the CSF. The presence of red blood cells may indicate bleeding into the CSF or may indicate a “traumatic tap” – blood that leaked into the CSF sample during collection.
Learn moreCSF Total Protein
Protein appears in nearly all body tissues, along with your enzymes, blood, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Healthy CSF has a low amount of protein. - Protein level, opening pressure, and CSF-to-serum glucose ratio vary with age. - CSF pro
Learn moreCSF WBC
Normally very few white blood cells are present in CSF. A significant increase in white blood cells in the CSF can be caused by infection or inflammation of the central nervous system.
Learn moreErythrocytes (CSF)
Erythrocytes (red blood cells) are typically absent in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) under normal conditions. Their presence can indicate a subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain), traumatic lumbar puncture (blood contamination during CSF collect
Learn moreLDH (CSF)
Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) serves as a significant biomarker for evaluating various central nervous system (CNS) conditions. Elevated CSF LDH levels are linked to trauma, infections, neoplastic disorders, and autoimmune
Learn moreLeukocytes (CSF)
Lymphs, CSF
Lymphocytes (Lymphs) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are an important marker often assessed during lab tests to evaluate the health of the central nervous system. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell that plays a critical role in the immune respon
Learn moreNon-Crenated Erythrocytes (CSF)
Non-Crenated Erythrocytes (CSF) refer to red blood cells (RBCs) in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that maintain their normal, smooth, biconcave shape. Their presence typically indicates a more recent or acute introduction of blood into the CSF, such as fr
Learn moreOligoclonal Bands (IgG), CSF
Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) are special types of proteins (called immunoglobulin G or IgG) that show up in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. These bands form when the immune system produces antibodies in the
Learn morePhosphorylated Tau 181 (pTau181)
Phosphorylated Tau 181 (pTau181) is a biomarker measured in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to assess the presence of abnormal tau protein associated with neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheimer’s disease. Tau is a protein involved in stab
Learn morePolymorphonuclear Cells (CSF)
Polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs), primarily neutrophils, are white blood cells that play a crucial role in the immune response to bacterial infections. In cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the presence of elevated PMNs, known as neutrophilic pleocytosis, typi
Learn moreSegmented Neutrophils, CSF
Segmented Neutrophils (CSF) refer to mature white blood cells found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which play a key role in the body’s immune response. Normally, neutrophils are present in low or undetectable levels in the CSF. Elevated leve
Learn moreSupernatant CSF
Normal CSF is crystal clear. However, as few as 200 white blood cells (WBCs) per mm3 or 400 red blood cells (RBCs) per mm3 will cause CSF to appear turbid (=cloudy). Xanthochromia is a yellow, orange, or pink discoloration of the CSF, most often c
Learn moreTau/Tau-P Ratio
Tau/Tau-P Ratio is a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarker used to evaluate the relationship between total tau and phosphorylated tau (pTau), providing critical insights into the underlying pathology of neurodegenerative diseases, particularly Alzheime
Learn moreTotal Tau
Total Tau in CSF is a biomarker used to assess neuronal damage and degeneration, particularly in the context of neurodegenerative diseases. Tau is a protein primarily found in neurons, where it stabilizes microtubules essential for cellular transport
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