Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear, colorless, and watery fluid that flows in and around the brain and spinal cord. The central nervous system comprises the brain and spinal cord. It directs and coordinates everything you do, including the capacity to move, breathe, see, and think.

Cerebrospinal fluid works as a cushion, protecting the brain and spinal cord from unexpected brain injury. The fluid also helps the central nervous system function properly by removing waste products from the brain.

A CSF analysis is a series of tests that use a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to help detect brain and spinal cord problems, as well as other conditions affecting the central nervous system.

What is CSF analysis used for?

A CSF analysis determines the concentration of various chemicals in the cerebrospinal fluid. It may include diagnostic tests such as:

  • Meningitis and encephalitis are instances of infectious disorders affecting the brain and spinal cord. CSF infection tests examine white blood cells, bacteria, and other substances in the cerebrospinal fluid.
  • Guillain-Barré Syndrome and multiple sclerosis are examples of autoimmune illnesses (MS). The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) testing for certain disorders check for excessive amounts of certain proteins.
  • Bleeding in the brain
  • Brain tumors, including malignancies, have progressed to the central nervous system from other areas of the body.
  • The most frequent type of dementia is Alzheimer's disease, characterized by memory loss, disorientation, and behavioral abnormalities.

Why do I need a CSF analysis?

The doctor may require a CSF analysis if you have the following:

  • Symptoms of spinal cord infection or bleeding
  • Manifestations of an autoimmune disease, such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
  • Suffered a brain or spinal cord injury
  • Individuals may have cancer that has progressed to the central nervous system.

Symptoms, such as headaches, could be caused by another central nervous system disorder. A brain or spinal cord infection can cause the following symptoms:

Multiple Sclerosis (MS) symptoms can vary and come and go, or they can worsen gradually. They may consist of the following:


What happens during a CSF analysis?

A spinal tap also called a lumbar puncture, is a treatment carried out by a healthcare professional to obtain a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. Usually, a spinal tap is performed at a hospital. During the procedure:

  • Individuals will sit on an exam table or lie on the side.
  • To make the treatment painless, a provider will clean the back and inject an anesthetic under the skin. Before this injection, the healthcare professional could inject a anesthetic drug to the back.
  • The healthcare professional will place a small, hollow needle between two vertebrae in the lower spine once the area on the back is entirely numb. The spine is made up of little backbones called vertebrae.
  • A small amount of CSF fluid will be taken out by the healthcare provider for testing.
  • This will take approximately five minutes.
  • One must remain completely still while the fluid is withdrawn.

How do I prepare for the test?

A CSF study does not require any specific preparations. However, before the test, you may be asked to empty the bladder (pee) and bowels (poop).


Are there any risks to the test?

A spinal tap poses a very minimal danger. When the needle is inserted, individuals may feel a pinch or pressure. After the test, individuals may have soreness or tenderness in the back where the needle was put.

One may also experience bleeding or a headache on the spot. The headache could last several hours, a week, or longer, but the provider may recommend treatment to help ease the pain.


What do the results mean?

A CSF analysis of the sample may include a number of different tests. As a result, the measurements on the test results will vary based on which tests are performed. The physician can explain the significance of the results.

In general, the CSF analysis results may indicate an infection, an autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis (MS), or another brain or spinal cord disease or injury. The doctor will most likely prescribe more tests to confirm the diagnosis.


Additional information about a CSF analysis

Some infections, such as bacterial meningitis, are life-threatening. If the healthcare provider suspects individuals have bacterial meningitis or another dangerous infection, patients may need to begin treatment before receiving a definite diagnosis.


Frequently Asked Questions

1. When should a CSF be tested?

When a doctor suspects that a patient has a central nervous system disorder, CSF testing may be ordered. One could need it if: the brain or spinal cord has been injured.

2. Why CSF test is urgent?

Meningitis has been linked to a wide range of infectious organisms, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Examination of CSF samples is prioritized due to the serious and life-threatening nature of acute bacterial meningitis.

3. What happens if CSF protein is high?

A high protein content in CSF suggests a problem with the central nervous system. A high protein level could be caused by a tumor, bleeding, nerve irritation, or infection. A limitation in spinal fluid flow may result in rapid protein buildup in the lower spinal area.

4. What are the side effects of CSF analysis?

The side effects of CSF analysis are:

  • Headaches: A spinal headache caused by CSF leaking from the puncture site affects up to one-third of persons who get a lumbar puncture. The more the leakage, the more acute the headache.
  • Back pain: One may get mild pain in the back where the needle was inserted.

5. What should I do after the CSF test?

After the procedure, you will be urged to drink extra fluids to rehydrate. This replenishes the CSF removed during the spinal tap and minimizes the chance of a headache.

6. How long is CSF good for testing?

A significant number of positive CSF specimens obtained from people with clinical infections developed bacteria after more than 3 days, with some taking up to ten. As a result, a normal 10-day observation period for CSF specimens is justifiable.

7. How long do CSF test results take?

These results are normally available in 48 to 72 hours. While waiting for the culture results, the doctor may begin antibiotic treatment. When evaluating the cerebrospinal fluid sample, lab workers examine it for numerous things.

8. What happens if CSF is not treated?

Untreated CSF leaks can result in potentially fatal meningitis, brain infections, or strokes. The specialists provide a prompt, accurate diagnosis of this dangerous condition, world-class surgical treatments to correct it, and pre-and post-surgery care that optimizes each patient's treatment and recovery.

9. What foods help the cerebrospinal fluid?

Consume 5 servings of fruits and vegetables every day. Potatoes, brown rice, cereals, and whole wheat pasta are examples of carbs. Protein sources include oily fish, eggs, and meat.

10. What is the cost of cerebrospinal fluid analysis?

The average cost of a CSF test ranges from ₹200 to ₹11000.