Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Leukocyte Count and Protein Measurement
This test measures two key substances in your spinal fluid: the number of white blood cells (leukocytes) and the amount of protein. These results help diagnose conditions affecting your brain and spinal cord.
Understanding your CSF white blood cells and protein levels can reveal issues like infections, inflammation, or bleeding in your nervous system.
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75196-6
- Short code
- LEUKOCYTECOUNTORPROTEINTESTWASPERFORMEDONCSFTESTFINDINGS
- Synonyms
- —
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4
- Ref high
- 10
- Critical range
- — – 100 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- cdc-cs
- CPT
- 86430
- 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
Doctors may order this test if you have symptoms like severe headaches, neck stiffness, fever, confusion, or neurological problems. It’s often used to check for infections (such as meningitis), bleeding, or other conditions affecting the cerebrospinal fluid.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely have a small needle inserted into your lower back to collect spinal fluid. The procedure is quick and usually painless. You may feel mild pressure or a slight sting, but no anesthesia is needed.
What the Results Mean
High leukocyte counts (white blood cells) may indicate an infection, inflammation, or immune response in your spinal fluid. Elevated protein levels could suggest damage to the blood-brain barrier or certain neurological diseases.
Common Conditions Linked to Abnormal Results
Abnormal findings can help diagnose conditions like bacterial or viral meningitis, multiple sclerosis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, or other inflammatory or degenerative brain/spinal cord disorders.
Reference range
NCBI: WBC 4000-10000/mm³N/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.
Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your symptoms, medical history, and other tests. High leukocyte counts or protein levels alone don’t always mean a specific diagnosis—further evaluation is needed.
Short name
CSF Leukocytes & Protein Test
Frequently asked questions
Will I need to prepare for this test?
How long will it take to get my results?
Can I drink or eat 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy