Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in children

The lumbar puncture (LP) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) examination have been considered important in diagnosis of neurologic diseases. Analysis of CSF helps in diagnosis of many conditions. Routine CSF analysis includes appearance, color, glucose, proteins, cells, Gram stain and Ziehl–Neelson (Z–N) stain. Every sample should be subjected for Gram and Z–N stains. CSF cultures should also be sent in case of suspected infective etiology. Advanced diagnostic evaluations in context with etiology of microorganism are available such as latex agglutination, PCR, and various specific antibodies. Immunologic analysis and neurometabolic studies performed in CSF samples have further broadened horizon of CSF sampling.