Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Cell Count (with Differential)
This test measures the number of cells in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), including white blood cells and red blood cells, along with the breakdown of white blood cell types (differential).
["Understanding your CSF cell count helps diagnose conditions affecting your brain and spinal cord."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 19771-5
- Short code
- Screen Tech Cvx/Vag Cyto
- Synonyms
- Screen Tech Cvx/Vag Cyto
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- cyto-stain
- CPT
- 86803
- 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 headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, fever, or neurological issues. It’s often done after a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect CSF for analysis. Common reasons include infections (like meningitis), bleeding, or inflammatory conditions.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to fast or avoid certain medications. Tell your doctor about any medications you’re taking, especially blood thinners or steroids, as they could affect results.
What Happens During the Test
A healthcare provider will insert a needle into your lower back to collect CSF. You may feel pressure or a slight ache, but it’s usually over quickly. The test takes about 10–15 minutes.
What the Results Mean
High cell counts (especially white blood cells) may indicate infections, inflammation, or bleeding. Red blood cells could suggest trauma or bleeding into the CSF. A differential helps identify specific types of white blood cells (e.g., lymphocytes, neutrophils) that may point to conditions like viral meningitis or autoimmune diseases.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated CSF cell counts are critical for diagnosing conditions like bacterial or viral meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, multiple sclerosis, or other inflammatory or neoplastic processes in the central nervous system. The differential count helps narrow down the likely cause, guiding treatment decisions.
Short name
CSF Cell Count
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get my CSF cell count results?
Can I eat or drink before this test?
Will I experience any side effects after the 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