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Cerebrospinal fluid cell count (total nucleated cells)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the number of white blood cells and other nucleated cells in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds your brain and spinal cord. It helps assess for inflammation, infection, or other conditions affecting the central nervous system.

Quick summary

["A CSF cell count helps diagnose or monitor conditions like meningitis, brain tumors, or multiple sclerosis."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
52874-5
Short code
CD1aBM
Synonyms
CD1a Cells NFr Mar
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Heparinized bone marrow aspirate collected in sodium heparin or EDTA tube; sterile collection into preservative-free heparin for optimal flow cytometry viability
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
0–99 years
Method
Flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibodies against CD1a surface marker; typically evaluated as percentage of total nucleated cells or absolute count
CPT
88184
SNOMED
395124003
Specimen volume
1-3 mL of fresh bone marrow aspirate in anticoagulant; minimum 0.5 mL acceptable for limited flow cytometry panels
Stability
Specimen should be processed within 24 hours of collection; store at room temperature (18-25°C); do not refrigerate as this may affect cell viability and antigen expression
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
24–72 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Matters

Your CSF contains a clear fluid that protects your brain and spinal cord. When there’s an issue—such as an infection, injury, or disease—your body may release more cells into this fluid. This test counts those cells to identify potential problems early.

Common Conditions Evaluated

High cell counts might suggest conditions like bacterial or viral meningitis, encephalitis, or certain types of brain tumors. Low or normal counts could indicate no immediate concern, but further testing may still be needed.

Sample Collection and Preparation

A small amount of CSF is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The sample is then analyzed in a lab to count the total number of nucleated cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and other cells.

What to Expect Before or After

You may experience mild discomfort during the procedure, but it’s usually brief. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous activity for 24 hours afterward. If you have a headache or other symptoms, contact your healthcare provider.

Reference range

Reference ranges for CD1a+ cells in bone marrow are laboratory-specific and depend on the gating strategy, antibody clone, and analysis protocol. CD1a is normally expressed on cortical thymocytes and Langerhans cells; its presence in bone marrow may indicate Langerhans cell histiocytosis involvement. Consult laboratory-specific reference intervals.N/A

Specimen: serum

No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not required prior to bone marrow aspiration. Inform the physician of any anticoagulant therapy, bleeding disorders, or recent infections.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

Clinical Significance

Short name

CSF Cell Count

Frequently asked questions

If your cell count is unusually high, your doctor may recommend additional tests, such as cultures to identify infections or imaging studies to check for structural issues. If the count is normal, it doesn’t rule out all conditions, so follow-up may still be needed.
This test is often used alongside other CSF tests (like protein or glucose levels) to provide a full picture of your health status.
What does a high cell count mean?
A high cell count could indicate inflammation, infection, or bleeding in the central nervous system. Your doctor will review your full test results and medical history to determine the next steps.
Can I eat or drink before this test?
You can eat and drink normally unless your doctor specifies otherwise. The procedure itself doesn’t require fasting, but follow any specific instructions they provide.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy