CSF Interpretation

Question 1

Normal CSF?

Answer 1

• Clear / colourless
• No neutrophils
• Mostly lymphocytes

Question 2

Describe CSF in bacterial meningitis?

Answer 2

• Cloudy / turbid
• WBC elevated (leukocytes)
• Low glucose
• High protein

Question 3

Describe the CSF in viral meningitis?

Answer 3

• Clear
• WBC elevated (lymphocytes)
• Normal glucose
• Elevated protein

Question 4

Describe the CSF in fungal meningitis?

Answer 4

• Clear or cloudy
• WBC elevated
• Low glucose
• Elevated protein

Question 5

Describe the CSF in tuberculosis meningitis?

Answer 5

• Opaque (fibrin web if it settles)
• WBC elevated (mononuclears)
• Low glucose
• Elevated protein