CSF Flashcards
how is CSF made and maintained?
Made from choroid plexus epi cells and ependymal cells lining the ventricles make by ultrafiltration of plasma and active secretion
CSF absorbed by arachnoid villi to maintain constant volume of CSF
What is the function of CSF?
Shock absorber to protect
Regulates CNS pressure and chemical composition Provides buoyancy to reduce pressure Transports nutrients, hormones, metabolites
What are indications fro CSF analysis?
Changes in CSF represent pathology
Abnormal neruologic exam, Fever of undertermined origin Neck or limb pain
What are contraindications for CSF analysis
Post trauma or increased intracranial pressure from edema, hydrocephalus, intracranial hemmorah
Determined by decreasing level of conciousness, nonreceptive pupils, rigid paresis, altered respiratory patterns or cardiac rhythms
How is CSF collected?
Collect at atlanto occipital/cisterna magna (may underestimate changes), lumbar cisterna or lumbosacral interspace. Collet with sterile spinal needle and stylet
Get .5 to .8ml and place a portion in LTT for cytology, culture; plain tube for additional analysis Processing: within 30 min. Or 4 degrees C for 4-8 hrs
What is normal CSF?
No RBCs
Some WBCs 80-90% large mononuclear cells and lymphocytes; neutrophils 10%
What is abnormal?
Blood contamination is pink to red
Prior hemorrhage is red, brown, or yellow
Turbid indicates cells or high protein
High protein is most common abnormality With normal cellularity= albuminocytologic dissociation Can be caused by traumatic tap, disrupted BBB, increased location AB production High cells is pleocytosis (neutrophillic, mononuclear, lymphocytic, mixed cell, eosinophillic)
