Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord.

Analysis involves examining physical, chemical, and microscopic properties of CSF.

Clinical uses include:

Diagnosing meningitis, encephalitis, and other CNS infections.

Detecting subarachnoid hemorrhage (bleeding in the brain).

Evaluating autoimmune and demyelinating diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis).

Identifying malignancies involving the central nervous system.

The test is performed via lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect CSF

Physical Examination:

Color, clarity, opening pressure.

Chemical Analysis:

Glucose, protein, lactate, chloride.

Microscopic Examination:

White blood cells, red blood cells, microorganisms.

Special Tests:

Gram stain, culture, PCR for pathogens.

Oligoclonal bands (for multiple sclerosis).

Normal Findings: Clear, colorless fluid with low protein, normal glucose, and few/no cells.

Abnormal Findings:

Cloudy fluid: Suggests infection.

Bloody fluid: Indicates hemorrhage.

High protein: Seen in infection, inflammation, or tumors.

Low glucose: Suggests bacterial/fungal infection or malignancy.

Oligoclonal bands: Associated with multiple sclerosis.