CSF testing

OK i was sitting here thinking about things and i am wondering what exactly do they test for when they take your CSF fluid?-- more curious then anything-- thought someone would know

[selmaS]

HI Lisa,

There r many diff tests that can be done..for MS they look for bands...not sure what this is exactly, but it is like testing blood...there r many things that r normal to be found and many things that r abnormal to be found.

Plus, there is blood in the CSF.....

"selma"

[*Stormy*]

From what I understand with LP's they can look for certain proteins or antibodies that are found in MS that they won't find in your blood. Same goes for Lyme's disease I believe.. Plus, it can show up a higher presence of certain types of cells that indicate a chronic infection, viral meningitis or in the case of bacterial meningitis..a higher amount of proteins.

So if all else fails...it looks like a good way to detect what is wrong with you despite the pain factor!

Carolyn

[northernstarmn]

What sparked this curiousity is i was viewing my lab test results and found
I had my CSF fluid tested (didnt know it was even done) when they placed the shunt
and results were

SOURCE Cerebrospinal Fluid  
GRAM STAIN No PMNs seen
No organisms seen  
CULTURE No growth

which is a good thing- but i was curious as to what they test for...

[*Stormy*]

PMN's would stand for polymorphonuclear monocyctes.  It is good that they aren't present as they are a sign of infection, that bacteria is present like in meningitis, or it can indicate MS too. They are the most numerous WBC's in your body...

Carolyn

[selmaS]

Carolyn...I knew u would know the terms here....wow....I guess drs just feel there is no way to explain this stuff, but u were able to ...huh...I guess they just lack social skills...lol....or can not speak to someone in everyday lingo....

[northernstarmn]

thank yee

[*Stormy*]

Aww gee thanks...just trying to keep my brain useful...in case I get to use it again one day!!

Carolyn