A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is done to identify conditions affecting your spine or brain. This test can also be used to detect encephalitis, autoimmune disorder, meningitis, and bleeding around the brain. CSF – cerebrospinal fluid – is present in the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid provides a cushioned layer to the nervous system and protects it from injury and sudden impact. It also removes metabolic waste and transports neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. CSF helps maintain the pressure in the spinal canal and skull cavity at constant levels. It also transports hormones from their production site to parts of the brain where they are required. CSF analysis is a set of tests used to determine whether your spine and brain are affected by a particular condition or disease. 

What is a Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis Test 
 

A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is done to identify conditions affecting your spine or brain. This test can also be used to detect encephalitis, autoimmune disorder, meningitis, and bleeding around the brain. CSF – cerebrospinal fluid – is present in the brain and spinal cord. Cerebrospinal fluid provides a cushioned layer to the nervous system and protects it from injury and sudden impact. It also removes metabolic waste and transports neurotransmitters and neuromodulators. CSF helps maintain the pressure in the spinal canal and skull cavity at constant levels. It also transports hormones from their production site to parts of the brain where they are required. CSF analysis is a set of tests used to determine whether your spine and brain are affected by a particular condition or disease.  
 

In cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid is used to diagnose disease of the central nervous system. CSF is withdrawn through a needle from the subarachnoid space by a procedure called a spinal tap or lumbar puncture. 
 

What is the purpose of the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis Test? 
 

A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis can be used to diagnose medical disorders affecting the central nervous system. Some of these conditions include:
 

• Bleeding in the spinal cord and brain. 
• Encephalitis and meningitis, which may be parasitic, viral, bacterial, or fungal infections. 
• Syphilis. 
• Guillain-Barré syndrome, a disease involving motor nerves and peripheral sensory. 
• Multiple sclerosis that leads to the loss of the myelin coating of the brain and spinal cord’s nerve fibers.  
• Central nervous system tumors and metastatic tumors that shed cells into the CSF. 
   

What does the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis Test Diagnose? 
 

Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis may detect an increased number of WBCs. It can also be used to check for metastatic and primary cancerous tumors in the CNS. This test can also be used to diagnose Alzheimer’s disease by measuring t- tau proteins and amyloid beta 1-42 and p- levels. The doctor may even order this test to diagnose autoimmune conditions like Guillain-Barre syndrome and multiple sclerosis. In cases of infectious diseases causing encephalitis and meningitis, the healthcare provider uses a CSF test to find out if the cause is bacterial, viral, fungal, or due to a parasite. This test can also be used to detect infections affecting the central nervous system, including tuberculosis, west nile virus, fungal infections, and Eastern equine encephalitis virus. 

Why Do You Need a Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis Test? 
 

The doctor may perform a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis if you have experienced trauma to the CNS or have symptoms of any condition affecting your central nervous system. You may need a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis if you exhibit the following symptoms: 
 

• Changes in consciousness 
• Severe nausea 
• Stiff neck 
• Seizures 
• Rash or fever 
• Difficulty in speaking 
• Tiredness, muscle weakness, and fatigue 
• Poor coordination and trouble walking 
• Light sensitivity 
• Hallucination, confusion, and dementia 
• Severe headaches 
• Unexplained clinical depression 

The doctor may order this test if you have cancer than can spread to your central nervous system. This test can also be performed if there was an injury to your spinal cord or brain.  
 

Preparation and procedure required for the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis Test
 

No special preparations are required for the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. You may be asked to empty your bowels and bladder before this test. Follow the instructions of your technician and doctor if you’re undergoing this test.  
 

To perform the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, the technician will take a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid through a procedure known as a spinal tap or a lumbar puncture. During the procedure, you’ll be asked to lie down comfortably on your side on an examination table. The technician will clean your back using an antiseptic and inject an anesthetic into your skin. This is done to ensure that you don’t feel pain during the test. When the area on your back is numb, the technician will insert a hollow needle in your lower spine between two vertebrae. The technician will draw a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid. You’ll have to stay still while the fluid is being withdrawn from your vertebrae. You may be asked to lie down on your back for an hour after this procedure. The drawn sample will be sent to the laboratory for detailed analysis. 
 

Understanding the Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis Test results
 

A CSF analysis may include different tests on your cerebrospinal fluid sample. So, your test results measurement will depend on the tests that were performed. You can contact your healthcare provider to understand what your results mean. 
 

The CSF collected during a spinal tap or lumbar puncture will contain glucose and protein and may also contain WBCs. It will be examined carefully to detect damage to the blood-brain barrier or disruption to the normal flow of CSF. The tests that are performed on the CSF examine: 
 

• Protein levels 
• Color, pressure, and clarity during the collection 
• Total cell count 
• Glucose levels 
• Differential cell count 
• Gram culture and stain, if an infection is suspected  

The normal cerebrospinal fluid is colorless and clear. Changes in the appearance of CSF may indicate additional substances in the fluid, The CSF fluid may appear hazy. Pink, yellow, or orange CSF may indicate the presence of bilirubin or blood cell breakdown due to bleeding into the CSF. Green CSF may also indicate infection.