What is this test?
This laboratory test is performed on a cerebrospinal fluid sample to measure the total amount of white blood cells (TLC) and the percentage of different white blood cells (DLC) present in the CSF. This test helps is diagnosing diseases and condition of the central nervous system. White blood cells or leukocytes are important cells of the immune system. They work to protect the body against foreign invaders and infection causing organisms. WBCs are of five types:
- Lymphocytes
- Neutrophils
- Eosinophils
- Basophils
- Monocytes.
Why is this test performed?
This test is performed to help in the diagnosis of the following diseases and conditions:
- Bacterial or fungal infection
- Bacterial or viral meningitis
- Tuberculosis
- Drug abuse
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Drug abuse
- Alcoholism
- Abscess.
- What is the difference between TLC and DLC?
TLC measures the total amount of WBCs present while DLC measures the percentage of different types of WBCs.
- What are the risks of this test?
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Damage to spinal cord nerves
- Headache after the test
- CSF leakage from injection site
- Allergic reaction to anesthetic.
- How to prepare for this test?
Empty your bladder and bowel before the test. Inform your doctor about your completed medical history, especially of medicine such as blood-thinners and allergies.
- What are the symptoms of viral meningitis?
- Neck stiffness
- Headache
- Fever
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite.
- What are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis?
- Altered mental status
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Irritability
- Headache
- Fever
- Sensitivity to bright light
- Nausea
- Vomiting.
Normal Ranges:
TLC:
Adults: 0 – 5 cells/uL
Neonates: 0 – 30 cells/uL
DLC:
Lymphocytes: 40 – 80 %
Neutrophils: 0 – 6 %
Monocytes: 15 – 45 %
- Interpretation of test results:
Causes of abnormal levels of WBCs:
- Bacterial or fungal infection
- Bacterial or viral meningitis
- Tuberculosis
- Drug abuse
- Multiple sclerosis
- Lymphoma
- Leukemia
- Drug abuse
- Alcoholism
- Abscess.
Cerebrospinal fluid cell count and the differential count is ordered who have cancer and have experienced brain or spinal cord injury. The symptoms that can lead to CSF analysis include:
- severe headache
- stiff neck
- hallucinations or confusion
- seizures
- flu-like symptoms that persist or intensify
- fatigue or muscle weakness
- changes in consciousness
- severe nausea
- fever or rash
- light sensitivity
- numbness or tremor
- dizziness
- trouble walking or poor coordination