Cerebrospinal Fluid Cell Differential (with Cell Count)

Why This Test Is Done

Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, or neurological issues. It’s often used to check for conditions such as meningitis, brain tumors, or multiple sclerosis. The test helps determine if there’s an abnormal number of cells in your CSF, which could indicate an infection, bleeding, or other problems.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll likely have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) where a small needle is inserted into your lower back to collect a sample of CSF. This procedure is usually done in a hospital setting with sedation. You may feel pressure or mild discomfort, but it’s generally quick and well-tolerated.

What the Test Results Mean

The test looks at different cell types in your CSF, such as white blood cells (like neutrophils or lymphocytes), red blood cells, and other cells. High numbers of white blood cells often suggest an infection or inflammation, while red blood cells may indicate bleeding. Your provider will compare these results to your symptoms and other tests to make a diagnosis.

Common Conditions This Test Helps Diagnose

This test can help diagnose infections like bacterial or viral meningitis, conditions causing inflammation in the brain or spinal cord (such as multiple sclerosis or Guillain-Barré syndrome), bleeding in the brain (subarachnoid hemorrhage), or other neurological disorders.