Cerebrospinal Fluid Quiz

Question 1

Where is CSF located within the central nervous system?

(a) Periosteum
(b) Arachnoid granulation
(c) White matter
(d) Subarachnoid space

Answer 1

(d) Subarachnoid space

Question 2

What is the predominant WBC found in the CSF of adults?

(a) Neutrophils
(b) Lymphocytes
(c) Monocytes

Answer 2

(b) Lymphocytes

Question 3

What should you do if you receive a low volume CSF sample?

(a) Cancel the tests you cannot complete on your own
(b) Call the physician to prioritize testing
(c) Do not perform any testing

Answer 3

(b) Call the physician to prioritize testing

Question 4

Which tube number should be used to perform cell counts and cytology studies?

(a) Tube 1
(b) Tube 2
(c) Tube 3
(d) Tube 4

Answer 4

(c) Tube 3

Question 5

What is xanthachromia indicative of?

(a) Lysed blood cells
(b) Oligoconal bands
(c) Eosinophils
(d) Protein

Answer 5

(a) Lysed blood cells

Question 6

What is an indication that a bloody sample is the result of a traumatic tap?

(a) Amount of blood is the same in all collection tubes
(b) Xanthachromia present
(c) Siderophages present
(d) Amount of blood decreases/clears progressively from first to last tube

Answer 6

(d) Amount of blood decreases/clears progressively from first to last tube

Question 7

What protein is commonly measured to assess the permeability of the blood brain barrier?

(a) Albumin
(b) IgG
(c) Oligoclonal bands
(d) Transthyretin

Answer 7

(a) Albumin

Question 8

What is the most common cell seen in the CSF WBC differential in neonates?

(a) Neutrophils
(b) Eosinophils
(c) Monocytes
(d) Lymphocytes

Answer 8

(c) Monocytes

Question 9

What type of cell is shown in the following picture?

(a) Plasma cell
(b) Macrophage
(c) Malignant cell
(d) Choroid Plexus cell

Answer 9

(d) Choroid Plexus cell