Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is a way of looking for conditions that affect your brain and spine. CSF is produced by the choroid plexus in the brain and then reabsorbed into your bloodstream. The fluid is completely replaced every few hours. In addition to delivering nutrients, CSF flows around your brain and spinal column, providing protection and carrying away waste.

A CSF sample is commonly collected by performing a lumbar puncture, which is also known as a spinal tap. A lumbar puncture generally takes less than 30 minutes. It’s performed by a doctor who is specially trained to collect CSF. CSF is usually taken from lower back area, or the lumbar spine. It’s very important to remain completely still during the procedure. Once in position, back is cleaned with a sterile solution. A sterile area is maintained throughout the procedure. This reduces the risk of infection. A numbing cream or spray is applied to skin. doctor then injects anesthetic. Once the site is fully numb, doctor inserts a thin spinal needle between two vertebrae. A special type of X-ray called fluoroscopy is sometimes used to guide the needle. Fluid samples are then taken through the needle. When fluid collection is complete, the needle is removed. The puncture site is cleaned again. A bandage is applied.

An analysis of the sample involves the measurement of and examination for: fluid pressure, proteins, glucose, red blood cells, white blood cells, chemicals, bacteria, viruses, other invasive organisms or foreign substances.

CSF is in direct contact with your brain and spine. So CSF analysis is more effective than a blood test for understanding CNS symptoms. However, it’s more difficult to obtain a spinal fluid sample than a blood sample. Entering the spinal canal with a needle requires expert knowledge of the spine’s anatomy and a clear understanding of any underlying brain or spinal conditions that might increase the risk of complications from the procedure.

With regards

Katherine Gray| Managing Editor

Archives of Clinical Pathology

40 Bloomsbury Way, Lower Ground Floor, London, United Kingdom

pathologyclinical@rediffmail.com