CSF chemistry

Alternative names:

chemistry - CSF

Normal values:

• cell count: less than 0 to 5 white blood cells (WBC) and 0 red blood cells (RBC)
• culture and sensitivity: no organism growth
• protein: 15 to 45 mg/dl
• glucose: 50 to 80 mg/100 ml
• serology for syphilis: no presence of antibodies
• fungus: no presence of fungus
• immunofixation: one or less bandings
• glutamine: 6 to 15 mg/dl
• lactate dehydrogenase: less than 2.0 to 7.2 U/ml
• chloride: 700 to 750 mg/dl
• cytology: no malignant cells present

Note:

• mg/dl = milligrams per deciliter
• U/ml = units per milliliter
• mg/ml = milligrams per milliliter

What abnormal results mean:

• Abnormal glutamine results may indicate:
  • hepatic encephalopathy
  • coma
  • Reye's syndrome

• Elevated lactate dehydrogenase levels may indicate:
  • inflammation or infection

• Increased chloride levels may indicate:
  • meningeal infection
  • tubular meningitis
  • low blood chloride levels

Increased levels are not significant (they correlate with increased blood chloride levels).

Cytology:
Finding of malignant or benign cells