The spinal fluid samples are sent to a laboratory for analysis. Lab technicians check for a number of things when examining spinal fluid, including:
- General appearance. Spinal fluid is normally clear and colorless. If it's cloudy, yellow or pink in color, it may indicate infection.
- Protein (total protein and the presence of certain proteins). Elevated levels of total protein — greater than 45 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) — may indicate infection or another inflammatory condition. Specific lab values may vary from medical facility to medical facility.
- White blood cells. Spinal fluid normally contains up to 5 mononuclear leukocytes (white blood cells) per microliter. Increased numbers may indicate infection. Specific lab values may vary from medical facility to medical facility.
- Sugar (glucose). A low glucose level in spinal fluid may indicate infection or another condition.
- Microorganisms. The presence of bacteria, viruses, fungi or other microorganisms can indicate infection.
- Cancer cells. The presence of abnormal cells in spinal fluid — such as tumor or immature blood cells — can indicate certain types of cancer.
Lab results are combined with information obtained during the test, such as spinal fluid pressure, to help establish a possible diagnosis.
Your health care provider generally gives you the results within a few days, but it could take longer. Ask your doctor when he or she expects to receive the results of your test.
Write down questions that you want to ask your doctor. Don't hesitate to ask questions or to speak up when you don't understand something your doctor says. Questions you may want to ask include:
Mar. 20, 2012
- Based on the results, what are my next steps?
- What kind of follow-up, if any, should I expect?
- Are there any factors that might have affected the results of this test, and therefore may have altered the results?
- Will I need to repeat the test at some point?
- Lumbar puncture. Radiological Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=SpinalTap. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
- CSF Analysis. Lab Tests Online. http://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/csf/csf-exams. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
- Myelography. Radiology Society of North America. http://www.radiologyinfo.org/en/info.cfm?pg=myelography. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
- Lumbar puncture (Taking a sample of fluid from around the spinal cord). American Thoracic Society. http://www.thoracic.org/clinical/critical-care/patient-information/icu-devices-and-procedures/lumbar-puncture-taking-a-sample-of-fluid-from-around-the-spinal-cord.php. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
- Lavi R, et al. Lumbar puncture: It's time to change the needle. European Neurology. 2010;64:108.
- Alvero R, et al. Inpatient medicine. In: Ferri FF. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2012: 5 Books in 1. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2012. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05611-3..00119-1--s1055&isbn=978-0-323-05611-3&sid=1244006461&uniqId=307334494-8#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05611-3..00119-1--s1060. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
- Neurological diagnostic tests and procedures. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/misc/diagnostic_tests.htm. Accessed Dec. 10, 2011.
- Central nervous system infections. In: Marx JA, et al. Rosen's Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Mosby Elsevier; 2010. http://www.mdconsult.com/books/page.do?eid=4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00107-9--s0125&isbn=978-0-323-05472-0&sid=1243990324&uniqId=307334494-5#4-u1.0-B978-0-323-05472-0..00107-9--s0145. Accessed Dec. 7, 2011.
- Swanson JW (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 14, 2011.