Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis Test
A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis tests a sample of the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord to help diagnose diseases affecting your central nervous system, such as infections, autoimmune disorders, bleeding, tumors, or Alzheimer's disease.
What this test measures
A CSF analysis measures different substances in your cerebrospinal fluid, including white blood cells, bacteria, proteins, and other substances, to check for conditions that affect the brain and spinal cord.
What your results mean
Reference ranges vary by laboratory and by your age and sex. MedlinePlus does not publish a single normal range for this test — always read your result against the range printed on your own lab report and discuss it with your provider.
Higher-than-normal results
High levels of certain proteins in the CSF may indicate an autoimmune disorder such as multiple sclerosis.
Frequently asked questions
What is a CSF analysis?
It is a group of tests on a sample of cerebrospinal fluid to diagnose diseases of the brain and spinal cord.
What conditions can a CSF analysis detect?
It can detect infections, autoimmune disorders, bleeding in the brain, brain tumors, and Alzheimer's disease.
How is the CSF sample collected?
The source does not describe the collection method.
What do abnormal results mean?
Abnormal results may indicate an infection, autoimmune disorder, or other disease of the brain or spinal cord. Your provider will order more tests to confirm.
Is a CSF analysis the same as a spinal tap?
The source does not use the term 'spinal tap' but refers to the test as CSF analysis or spinal fluid analysis.
Related lab tests
Sources
- MedlinePlus: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis — NIH MedlinePlus
Last updated . Information is aggregated from official public sources and is not a substitute for professional medical care.