Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) Overview
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples are used for clinical analysis to look for conditions that affect the brain and spine. There are series of laboratory tests performed on CSF samples to diagnose disease. CSF is the clear fluid that cushions and delivers nutrients to the central nervous system (CNS). The CNS consists of the brain and spinal cord. CSF is produced by the choroid plexus (secretary tissue) in the brain and then reabsorbed into the bloodstream. The fluid is completely replaced every few hours. In addition to delivering nutrients, CSF flows around the brain and spinal column, providing protection and carrying away waste.
CSF specimens are collected by performing a lumbar puncture, which is also known as a spinal tap.
Analysis of the sample involves the measurement of and examination for:
- Fluid pressure
- Proteins
- Glucose
- Red blood cells (RBC)
- White blood cells (WBC)
- Chemicals
- Bacteria
- Viruses
- Other invasive organisms or foreign substances
Clinical analysis can include:
- Measurement of the physical characteristics and appearance of CSF
- Chemical tests on substances found in the spinal fluid or comparisons to levels of similar substances found in the blood
- Cell counts and typing of any cells found in the CSF
- identification of any microorganisms that could cause infectious diseases
CSF is in direct contact with the brain and spine, therefore CSF analysis is more effective than a blood test for understanding central nervous system (CNS) symptoms. However, it’s more difficult to obtain a spinal fluid sample than a blood sample. Entering the spinal canal with a needle requires expert knowledge of the spine’s anatomy and a clear understanding of any underlying brain or spinal conditions that might increase the risk of complications from the procedure.
Diseases detected by Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) specimen analysis
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis can accurately distinguish between a wide range of Central Nervous System (CNS) diseases that can otherwise be difficult to diagnose.
Conditions found by CSF analysis include:
Infectious Diseases
Viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites can all infect the CNS. Certain infections can be found by Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Some of the common CNS infections include:
- Meningitis
- Encephalitis
- Tuberculosis (TB)
- Fungal infections
- West Nile Virus
- Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV)
Hemorrhaging
Internal bleeding can be detected by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. However, isolating the exact cause of bleeding may require additional scans or tests. Common causes include high blood pressure, stroke or an aneurysm (enlargement or bulge of an artery).
Immune Response Disorders
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis can detect immune response disorders. The immune system can cause damage to the CNS through inflammation, destruction of the myelin sheath around the nerves, and antibody production.
Common diseases of this type include:
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Sarcoidosis
- Neurosyphilis
- Multiple Sclerosis
Neurological Disorders
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis can detect neurological disorders.
- Alzheimer’s Disease
- Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)
- Ataxia
- Bell’s Palsy
- Brain Tumors
- Cerebral Aneurysm
- Epilepsy and seizures
- Guillain-Barre Syndrome
- Meningitis
- Parkinson’s Disease
- Frontotemporal Dementia
- Huntington’s Disease
- Myasthenia Gravis
- Multiple Sclerosis
- Muscular Dystrophy
- Neurocutaneous Syndromes
- Stroke
- Muscular Dystrophy
Tumors
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis can detect primary tumors in the brain or spine. It can also detect metastatic cancers that have spread to the central nervous system (CNS) from other body parts.
Detailed clinical data, elevated levels of antibodies, serology, biomarkers, CT, PET, MRI scans, genetic information, biopsy tissue, pathology annotations associated with the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples from unique patients diagnosed with dementia is provided to a valued customer for drug discover, development and research.
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