P27 - CSF Fluid

Question 1

purpose of analysis of CSF

Answer 1

• evaluation of neurologic disease

Question 2

CSF flows in what direction

Answer 2

• cranial to caudal

Question 3

CSF must be analyzed within ___ of collection

Answer 3

• 1 hour

Question 4

what tube is preferred for CSF collection

Answer 4

• red top

Question 5

problems with EDTA for CSF collection (3)

Answer 5

• increases protein concentration
• causes cell lysis
• dilutes TNCC and protein in small samples

Question 6

what is added to stabilize CSF sample

Answer 6

• BSA or fetal calf serum

Question 7

what is measured before BSA or fetal calf serum is added to CSF and why

Answer 7

• protein

- serum is rich in protein

Question 8

laboratory findings in normal CSF (5)

Answer 8

• colorless
• transparent
• water-like
• low protein
• low TNCC

Question 9

xanthochromia

Answer 9

• presence of hemoglobin in CSF

- pinkish to orange to yellowish color

Question 10

hematorrhachis

Answer 10

• hemorrhage in vertebral column

- pinkish-red to orange discoloration

Question 11

bilirrhachia

Answer 11

• hemoglobin present for 2 days

- bilirubin

Question 12

turbidity/pleocytosis of CSF

Answer 12

• high TNCC

Question 13

causes of pleocytosis

Answer 13

• inflammation and microorganisms
• neoplasia
• hemorrhage

Question 14

horses have higher concentrations of what in CSF

Answer 14

• proteins - 80mg/dl

Question 15

gel or clot formation of CSF is indicative of

Answer 15

• inflammation

Question 16

where does CSF have higher protein concentrations and why

Answer 16

• lumbosacral samples

- more water removed

Question 17

effects of drop of blood contamination of CSF on RBC, TNCC, and protein

Answer 17

• increases RBC by 12,000/uL
• increases TNCC by 200/uL
• increases protein by 100mg/dl

Question 18

cytologic/albuminocytologic dissociation

Answer 18

• high protein without a corresponding increase in TNCC

Question 19

causes of cytologic/albuminocytologic dissociation

Answer 19

• compression from space occupying lesion
• pathology deep in parenchyma and can’t reach CSF
• BBB pathologic cells not superficial enough to slough into CSF

Question 20

further unique CSF tests (3)

Answer 20

• [glucose]
• creatine kinase
• antibody titers

Question 21

hypoglycorrhacia and causes

Answer 21

• low CSF glucose
• utilized by bacteria in CSF, inflammatory cells, RBC
• hypoglycemia

Question 22

hyperglycorrhacia and causes

Answer 22

• high CSF glucose
• hyperglycemia
• increase permeability of BBB

Question 23

[CSF glucose] is about what % of [plasma glucose]

Answer 23

• 60-80%

Question 24

what is increased in case of damage to nerve cells

Answer 24

• creatine kinase