CSF Appearance

Question 1

Hazy, cloudy CSF

Answer 1

WBCs (meningitis),
Microorganisms (BBB disorders),
Protein (IgG production in the CNS)

Question 2

Bloody CSF

Answer 2

RBCs (hemorrhage, traumatic tap)

Question 3

Xanthochromic CSF

Answer 3

Hemoglobin (old hemorrhage),
Bilirubin (elevated serum bilirubin),
Protein (BBB disorder),
Carotene (elevated serum levels).

Question 4

Pellicle in CSF

Answer 4

Clotting factors (refrigerated tuberculosis meningitis specimens)

Question 5

Crystal clear CSF

Answer 5

Normal