Practical: Complete Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Examination
Aim
To perform complete examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and evaluate its physical, chemical,
and microscopic characteristics for diagnosis of neurological diseases.
Requirements
• Fresh CSF sample collected by lumbar puncture
• Sterile, dry test tubes (3 tubes preferred)
• Centrifuge
• Microscope
• Glass slides and cover slips
• pH paper
• Test tubes and droppers
• Reagents for protein, glucose, and chloride estimation
• Gloves and antiseptic solution
Specimen Collection
• CSF is collected by lumbar puncture under strict aseptic conditions
• Usually collected in three sterile tubes:
• Tube 1: Biochemistry
• Tube 2: Microbiology
• Tube 3: Cytology
• Sample should be examined immediately
PART A: Physical Examination
1. Appearance
• Clear and colorless: Normal
• Turbid: Infection
• Xanthochromia (yellow): Old hemorrhage
• Bloody: Subarachnoid hemorrhage / traumatic tap
2. Opening Pressure
• Normal: 70–180 mm H₂O
• Increased: Meningitis, intracranial tumor
1
Examination
Aim
To perform complete examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and evaluate its physical, chemical,
and microscopic characteristics for diagnosis of neurological diseases.
Requirements
• Fresh CSF sample collected by lumbar puncture
• Sterile, dry test tubes (3 tubes preferred)
• Centrifuge
• Microscope
• Glass slides and cover slips
• pH paper
• Test tubes and droppers
• Reagents for protein, glucose, and chloride estimation
• Gloves and antiseptic solution
Specimen Collection
• CSF is collected by lumbar puncture under strict aseptic conditions
• Usually collected in three sterile tubes:
• Tube 1: Biochemistry
• Tube 2: Microbiology
• Tube 3: Cytology
• Sample should be examined immediately
PART A: Physical Examination
1. Appearance
• Clear and colorless: Normal
• Turbid: Infection
• Xanthochromia (yellow): Old hemorrhage
• Bloody: Subarachnoid hemorrhage / traumatic tap
2. Opening Pressure
• Normal: 70–180 mm H₂O
• Increased: Meningitis, intracranial tumor
1
