Neutrophil Count in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
This test measures the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell, in your spinal fluid. Neutrophils help fight infections.
["Neutrophils in spinal fluid can signal possible infections or inflammation in the brain or spinal cord."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 51397-8
- Short code
- CD65WCSF
- Synonyms
- CD65w Cells NFr CSF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile, polystyrene (non-adherent) collection tube with screw cap; CSF tube #3 or #4 recommended for cell surface marker analysis to minimize peripheral blood contamination
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Flow cytometry using fluorescein-labeled anti-CD65w (ceramide-dodecasaccharide 4a, VIM-2) monoclonal antibodies
- CPT
- 88184
- SNOMED
- 441823005
- Specimen volume
- 1-3 mL of cerebrospinal fluid (minimum 0.5 mL); additional volume recommended for parallel diagnostic testing
- Stability
- Specimen should be analyzed within 1-2 hours of collection at room temperature (18-22°C). If delay is anticipated, refrigerate at 2-8°C for up to 4 hours. Do not freeze. Viability of cells decreases significantly beyond 4 hours.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like headaches, neck stiffness, fever, or confusion that could indicate a spinal infection (meningitis), brain inflammation (encephalitis), or other neurological conditions.
What Does a High Neutrophil Count Mean?
A higher-than-normal count of neutrophils in spinal fluid often suggests an active infection, such as bacterial meningitis, or an inflammatory process in the central nervous system.
What Does a Low Neutrophil Count Mean?
A lower-than-normal count may indicate conditions like viral meningitis, certain autoimmune diseases, or other non-infectious causes of spinal fluid changes.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small amount of spinal fluid is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The fluid is then examined under a microscope to count the neutrophils.
Reference range
CD65w-positive cells are normally absent or present in very low numbers (<1% of leukocytes) in cerebrospinal fluid. Results expressed as percentage of total CSF leukocytes and absolute count per microliter.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Lumbar puncture should be performed under sterile conditions by a qualified physician. Inform the ordering physician of any recent medications (e.g., corticosteroids, immunosuppressants, chemotherapy) as these may affect leukocyte populations.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
CSF Neutrophil Cell Count
Frequently asked questions
What are the common causes of abnormal neutrophil counts in CSF?
How soon can results be available after the test?
Can I take anything by mouth before this test?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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