Glucose (CSF) Test

The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose test measures the amount of glucose, or sugar, present in the fluid. CSF is a clear liquid that pads and environs the brain and spinal cord, which constitute your central nervous system (CNS). This fluid is instrumental is carrying nutrients to and waste away from the brain and spinal cord. A Cerebrospinal fluid test is used to diagnose many diseases affecting the brain and spinal cord. These diseases are categorized into: Infectious diseases such as meningitis and encephalitis Hemorrhaging within the brain or skull Autoimmune disorders, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, sarcoidosis or multiple sclerosis Tumors located within the central nervous system or that spread to the central nervous system Testing a CSF sample is the best way to diagnose these conditions because CSF is in direct contact with the brain and spine.

The patient will be asked to sign a form stating that the risks of the procedure are well understood In case the patient is taking any blood thinning drugs warfarin (Coumadin) the doctor may advise to stopping taking a couple of days before the test. On the day of the test, before the procedure, the doctor will ask to empty your bowels and bladder.

This test is performed to diagnose medical conditions like: Infections Tumors Inflammation of the CNS Neurological conditions, such as delirium.

CSF test/analysis requires some basic set of tests as a prerequisite when CSF analysis is advised. CSF color, clarity, and pressure during collection, CSF protein, CSF glucose, CSF cell count (total number of cells present), CSF differential cell count (numbers of different types of cells present), If infection is suspected, CSF gram stain and culture, There are many methods to get CSF sample. Some of them are Cisternal puncture test, Ventricular puncture test, and Lumbar puncture test. Most common is Lumbar puncture test. This test takes less than thirty minutes to conduct. Doctors usually withdraw CSF from the lower back area. Patient is advised to remain still to avoid incorrect needle placement. Patient can either sit with the spine curled forward or lie on a side with the spine curved and knees were drawn up to your chest. Curving your spine helps your doctor to find the correct space to insert a thin spinal needle between the bones vertebrae. Sometimes, fluoroscopy, which is a type of X-ray, can help your doctor guide the needle safely between the vertebrae.