CSF Interpretation

 

Notes about LP and CSF

• Traumatic tap (collect 3 consecutive samples at time)– if red cell count is spuriously high, it is often a misnomer due to traumatic tap- White cells are more important
• DO NOT perform LP where there is raised intracranial pressure (clinically or radiologically)
  • e.g. in headache with focal neurological signs
  • e.g. in headache worse bending forward, with vomiting etc
  • e.g. where there is evidence of herniation or raised ICP on scanning