Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Cell Count and Differential (with Cytology)
This test examines the cellular composition of your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which surrounds your brain and spinal cord. It helps identify infections, inflammation, or other abnormalities in the central nervous system.
["Assessing brain and spinal cord health through CSF cell analysis."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 31193-6
- Short code
- Cyto Panc FNA
- Synonyms
- Cyto Panc FNA
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 136
- Ref high
- 145
- Critical range
- 120 N/A – 160 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- cyto-stain
- CPT
- 84295
- SNOMED
- 110741000
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, fever, or neurological issues. It’s also used to diagnose conditions such as meningitis, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, or tumors in the brain or spinal cord.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely undergo a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) where a small needle is inserted into your lower back to collect CSF. The procedure takes about 10–15 minutes and may cause mild discomfort. You’ll be asked to lie on your side with your knees bent.
What Happens During the Test
The collected CSF is sent to the lab for microscopic examination. Cells are counted and categorized (e.g., white blood cells, red blood cells, or abnormal cells like cancerous ones). Some tests may also include staining to highlight specific cell types.
What the Results Mean
Normal results typically show few to no white blood cells in the CSF, indicating no infection or inflammation. Abnormal findings (e.g., high white blood cells, unusual cell shapes, or protein levels) may signal conditions like infections, bleeding, or neurological diseases.
Reference range
Adult: 136-145 mmol/LN/A
No special preparation usually required. Stay well hydrated. Inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is critical for diagnosing infections (e.g., bacterial or viral meningitis), autoimmune diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis), bleeding in the brain, or tumors. It provides direct evidence of inflammation, infection, or structural abnormalities in the central nervous system that other tests may miss.
Short name
CSF Cytology & Cell Count
Frequently asked questions
What does a high or low cell count in CSF mean?
Can this test detect all types of brain tumors?
Is there any risk associated with the lumbar puncture?
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