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What is a Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis?

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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless, watery fluid that flows in and around your brain and spinal cord. Your brain and spinal cord make up your central nervous system. It controls and coordinates everything you do, including your ability to move, breathe, see think, and more.

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Cerebrospinal fluid acts like a cushion that helps protect your brain and spinal cord from sudden impact or injury. The fluid also removes waste products from the brain and helps your central nervous system work properly.

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A CSF analysis is a group of tests that use a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid to help diagnose diseases of the brain and spinal cord and other conditions that affect the central nervous system.

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Other names: Spinal Fluid Analysis, CSF Analysis

What is it used for?

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A CSF analysis is used to measure different substances in your cerebrospinal fluid. It may include tests to diagnose:

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Why do I need a CSF analysis?

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Your health care provider may order a CSF analysis if you have:

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Symptoms of a brain or spinal cord infection include:

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Symptoms of MS often vary and come and go, or they may steadily get worse. They may include:

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What happens during a CSF analysis?

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To get a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, a provider will do a procedure called a spinal tap, also known as a lumbar puncture. A spinal tap is usually done in a hospital. During the procedure:

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Will I need to do anything to prepare for the test?

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You don't need any special preparations for a CSF analysis, but you may be asked to empty your bladder (pee) and bowels (poop) before the test.

Are there any risks to the test?

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There is very little risk to having a spinal tap. You may feel a little pinch or pressure when the needle is inserted. After the test, you may feel some pain or tenderness in your back at the site where the needle was inserted.

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You may also have some bleeding at the site or get a headache. The headache may last for several hours or up to a week or more, but your provider may suggest treatment to help relieve the pain.

What do the results mean?

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A CSF analysis may include a variety of different tests on your sample. So, the measurements on your test results will depend on which tests were done. Your provider can explain what your results mean.

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In general, your CSF analysis results may show that you have an infection, an autoimmune disorder, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), or another disease or injury of the brain or spinal cord. Your provider will likely order more tests to confirm your diagnosis.

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Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.

Is there anything else I need to know about a CSF analysis?

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Some infections, such as meningitis caused by bacteria, are life-threatening emergencies. If your provider suspects you have bacterial meningitis or another serious infection, you may need to start medicine before you have a final diagnosis.

References

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  1. Allina Health [Internet]. Allina Health. Cerebrospinal fluid IgG measurement, quantitative; [cited 2022 Apr 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://account.allinahealth.org/library/content/49/150438
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  3. Allina Health [Internet]. Allina Health. CSF albumin/plasma albumin ratio measurement; [cited 2022 Apr 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://account.allinahealth.org/library/content/49/150212
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  5. Hinkle J, Cheever K. Brunner & Suddarth's Handbook of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests. 2nd Ed, Kindle. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer Health, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; c2014. Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis; p.144.
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  7. Johns Hopkins Medicine [Internet]. Johns Hopkins Medicine; c2022. Health Library: Lumbar Puncture; [cited 2022 Apr 19]; [about 7 screens]. Available from: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/lumbar-puncture
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  9. Mayo Clinic [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1998\u20132022. Lumbar puncture (spinal tap); [cited 2022 Apr 19]; [about 8 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/lumbar-puncture/about/pac-20394631
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  11. Mayo Clinic: Mayo Medical Laboratories [Internet]. Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research; c1995\u20132022. Test ID: SFIN: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) IgG Index; [cited 2022 Apr 19]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog/overview/2762#Clinical-and-Interpretive
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  13. Merck Manual Consumer Version [Internet]. Kenilworth (NJ): Merck & Co. Inc.; c2022. Spinal Cord; [reviewed 2021 Mar; cited 2022 Apr 19]; [about 2 screens]. Available from: https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/brain,-spinal-cord,-and-nerve-disorders/biology-of-the-nervous-system/spinal-cord
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  17. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Guillain-Barr\u00e9 Syndrome Fact Sheet; [updated 2021 Nov 15; cited 2022 Apr 19]; [about 9 screens]. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/guillain-barre-syndrome-fact-sheet
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  19. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Meningitis and Encephalitis Fact Sheet; [updated 2021 Nov 15; cited 2022 Apr 19]; [about 10 screens]. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Meningitis-and-Encephalitis-Fact-Sheet
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  21. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke [Internet]. Bethesda (MD): U.S. Department of Health and Human Services; Multiple Sclerosis: Hope Through Research; [updated 2021 Mar 25; cited 2022 Apr 19]; [about 14 screens]. Available from: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Hope-Through-Research/Multiple-Sclerosis-Hope-Through-Research#3215_3
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  23. National Multiple Sclerosis Society [Internet]. National Multiple Sclerosis Society; c1995\u20132022. Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF); [cited 2022 Apr 19]; [about 3 screens]. Available from: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/Diagnosing-Tools/Cerebrospinal-Fluid-(CSF)
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  25. Rammohan KW. Cerebrospinal fluid in multiple sclerosis. Ann Indian Acad Neurol [Internet]. 2009 Oct\u2013Dec [cited 2022 Apr 19]; 12(4):246\u2013253. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2824952
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  27. Seehusen DA, Reeves MM, Fomin DA. Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis. Am Fam Physician [Internet] 2003 Sep 15 [cited 2022 Apr 19]; 68(6):1103\u20131109. Available from: https://www.aafp.org/afp/2003/0915/p1103.html
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  31. University of Rochester Medical Center [Internet]. Rochester (NY): University of Rochester Medical Center; c2022. Health Encyclopedia: Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture) for Children; [cited 2022 Apr 19]; [about 8 screens]. Available from: https://www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=90&contentid=P02625
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