Lima Memorial Health System Logo
Approximate ER WAIT TIME
5

Health Library

CSF cell count
     
Print-Friendly
Bookmarks

CSF cell count

 

A CSF cell count is a test to measure the number of red and white blood cells that are in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that is in the space around the spinal cord and brain.

A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is the most common way to collect this sample. Rarely, other methods are used for collecting CSF such as:

  • Cisternal puncture
  • Ventricular puncture
  • Removal of CSF from a tube that is already in the CSF, such as a shunt or ventricular drain.

After the sample is taken, it is sent to a lab for evaluation.

Why the Test is Performed

 

The CSF cell count may help detect:

  • Meningitis and infection of the brain or spinal cord
  • Tumor, abscess, or area of tissue death (infarct)
  • Inflammation
  • Bleeding into the spinal fluid (secondary to subarachnoid hemorrhage)

 

Normal Results

 

The normal white blood cell count is between 0 and 5. The normal red blood cell count is 0.

Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.

The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

 

What Abnormal Results Mean

 

An increase of white blood cells indicates infection, inflammation, or bleeding into the cerebrospinal fluid. Some causes include:

  • Abscess
  • Encephalitis
  • Hemorrhage
  • Meningitis
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Other infections
  • Tumor
  • Neurosarcoidosis

Finding red blood cells in the CSF may be a sign of bleeding. However, red blood cells in the CSF may also be due to the spinal tap needle hitting a blood vessel.

Additional conditions which this test may help diagnose include:

  • Arteriovenous malformation (cerebral)
  • Cerebral aneurysm
  • Delirium
  • Guillain-Barré syndrome
  • Stroke
  • Neurosyphilis
  • Primary lymphoma of the brain
  • Seizure disorders, including epilepsy
  • Spinal tumor

 

 

References

Bergsneider M. Shunting. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2017:chap 31.

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.

BACK TO TOPText only

 
  • CSF cell count

    CSF cell count

    illustration

    • CSF cell count

      CSF cell count

      illustration

    A Closer Look

     

      Self Care

       

        Tests for CSF cell count

         
         

        Review Date: 5/4/2021

        Reviewed By: Joseph V. Campellone, MD, Department of Neurology, Cooper Medical School at Rowan University, Camden, NJ. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

        The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., a business unit of Ebix, Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
        adam.com