Test Name: Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis
Formal Name: CSF Analysis
Other Names: Spinal Fluid Analysis, Cerebrospinal fluid analysis
Cloudy fluid (high WBC): Infection. Low Glucose: Bacterial meningitis. High Protein: Infection or bleeding.
Why Test: To diagnose meningitis, encephalitis, or bleeding around the brain (subarachnoid).
When to Test: Severe headache, stiff neck, confusion, fever.
Test Principle: Microscopy, Chemistry, Culture, Immunoassay.
Q1: Is the test painful? A1: The needle pinch is sharp, but local anesthetic numbs the skin. Q2: Can I move during the test? A2: You must stay very still to prevent injury.
