Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Monocyte and Macrophage Cell Count

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like headaches, neck stiffness, fever, confusion, or neurological issues that suggest an infection, inflammation, or other condition affecting the brain or spinal cord. It’s often used alongside other tests to guide diagnosis.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll likely have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) performed by a healthcare professional. This involves inserting a needle into your lower back to collect a small sample of CSF. The procedure is usually quick and may cause mild discomfort, but you’ll be given instructions to rest afterward.

What the Test Results Mean

The results focus on identifying abnormal numbers of monocytes and macrophages, which can indicate conditions like meningitis, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, or other inflammatory or infectious processes in the central nervous system. Your results will be interpreted by a healthcare provider based on your symptoms and other test findings.

Common Conditions Monitored or Diagnosed

This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions such as viral or bacterial meningitis, encephalitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or certain types of brain tumors. Elevated counts may also suggest chronic inflammatory diseases.