Cerebrospinal Fluid Cell Count

Alternative Names/Synonyms	CSF, CSF Cell Count
Laboratory	Core Laboratory & Transfusion Medicine
Sub-section	Hematology
Specimen Type	Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)
Test Code	CSFHE

Ordering Instructions, Requisition

CSF Requisition printed from PowerChart or Special Lab Requisition (MS 331)

Clinical Significance (If applicable)

There are four major categories of disease which warrant examination of CSF; suspected meningitis, detection of subarachnoid hemorrhage, detection of CNS malignancy/leukemia, and diagnosis of demyelinating disease (M.S.) The cell count must be performed without delay since cells in body fluids degenerate rapidly.

Specimen Requirements (Sample Type)

Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF)

Specimen Requirements (Volume (mL))

0.5- 1 mL

Specimen Requirements (Tube Type)

CSF collection tube (sterile)

/SpecimenRequirements/10590_CollectionContainers_L_v3.pdf

Collection Requirements

Fluids should be sent to lab promptly as they have to be processed immediately.

Cause for Rejection

Specimen Acceptability and Transport Guidance

Instrument, Methodology

Automated / Manual

Test Availability

24 hours, 7 days/week.

STAT Turnaround Time

2 hours

Routine Turnaround Time

2 hours

Reference Ranges

Age of < 1 Month
CSF WBC Count: 0.0-27.0 X 10^6/L
CSF RBC Count: 0.0-50.0 X 10^6/L

Age of 1 Month - 16 Years:
CSF WBC Count: 0.0-7.0 X 10^6/L
CSF RBC Count: 0.0-5.0 X 10^6/L

Age of > 16 Years:
CSF WBC Count: 0.0-5.0 X 10^6/L
CSF RBC Count: 0.0-5.0 X 10^6/L
In case of discrepancies, always interpret results using reference ranges as stated on laboratory reports and/or electronic patient chart.

Laboratory Contact Information

416-586-4800 Extension 4688