Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection

There are different ways to get a sample of CSF. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is the most common method. To have the test: You will lie on your side with your knees pulled up toward the chest, and chin tucked downward. Sometimes the test is done sitting up, but bent forward. After the back is cleaned, the health care…

You will need to give the health care team your consent before the test. Tell your provider if you are on any aspirin or any other blood-thinning medicines. After the procedure, you should plan to rest for several hours, even if you feel fine. This is to prevent fluid from leaking around the site of the puncture. You…

It may be uncomfortable to stay in position for the test. Staying still is important because movement may lead to injury of the spinal cord. You may be told to straighten your position slightly after the needle is in place. This is to help measure the CSF pressure. The anesthetic will sting or burn when first…

This test is done to measure pressures within the CSF and to collect a sample of the fluid for further testing. CSF analysis can be used to diagnose certain neurologic disorders. These may include infections (such as meningitis) and brain or spinal cord damage. A spinal tap may also be done to establish the diagnosis…

Normal values typically range as follows: Pressure: 70 to 180 mm H 2 O Appearance: clear, colorless CSF total protein : 15 to 60 mg/100 mL (0.15 to 0.6 g/L) Gamma globulin: 3% to 12% of the total protein CSF glucose : 50 to 80 mg/100 mL or 2.77 to 4.44 mmol/L (or greater than two thirds of blood sugar level) CSF cell…

If the CSF looks cloudy, it could mean there is an infection or a buildup of white blood cells or protein. If the CSF looks bloody or red, it may be a sign of bleeding or spinal cord obstruction. If it is brown, orange, or yellow, it may be a sign of increased CSF protein or previous bleeding (more than 3 days ago).…

Risks of lumbar puncture include: Bleeding into the spinal canal or around the brain (subdural hematomas). Discomfort during the test. Headache after the test that can last a few hours or days. It may be helpful to drink caffeinated beverages such as coffee, tea or soda to help relieve the headache. If headaches last…

This test is more dangerous for people with: A tumor in the back of the brain that is pressing down on the brainstem Blood clotting problems Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia) Individuals taking blood thinners, aspirin, clopidogrel, or other similar drugs to decrease the formation of blood clots.

Deluca GC, Griggs RC. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 26th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2020:chap 368. Euerle BD. Spinal puncture and cerebrospinal fluid examination. In: Roberts JR, Custalow CB, Thomsen TW, eds. Roberts and Hedges' Clinical…