CSF collection

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CSF chemistry

Lumbar vertebrae

The position may be uncomfortable, but it is imperative that the patient stays in the bended position to avoid moving the needle and possibly injuring the spinal cord.

The anesthetic will sting or burn when first injected. There will be a hard pressure sensation when the needle is inserted, and there is usually some brief pain when the needle goes through the tissue surrounding the spinal cord (meninges). This pain should stop in a few seconds.

Overall, discomfort is minimal to moderate. The entire procedure usually takes about 30 minutes, but it may take longer. The actual pressure measurements and fluid collection only take a few minutes.

This test is done to measure pressures within the cerebrospinal fluid and to collect a sample of the fluid for further testing. CSF can be used to diagnose certain neurologic disorders, particularly infections (such as meningitis) and brain or spinal cord damage.

See also:

• CSF coccidioides complement fixation
• CSF oligoclonal banding
• CSF smear
• CSF VDRL test

Review Date: 05/12/2005
Reviewed By: Chitra R. Uppaluri MD, Clinical Asst. Professor of Medicine, Saint Louis University, Saint Louis MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.