Gross Evaluation

GROSS EVALUATION

  • Normal CSF is clear and colourless.
  • Turbid (off white to grayish colour): when there is increased white cell number and/or protein elevation.
  • Pink: blood contamination. Free hemoglobin suggests previous subarachnoid hemorrhage rather than contamination during fluid collection.
  • Yellow (Xanthochromic): Breakdown of hemoglobin from previous trauma or sever elevation of CSF protein (>100 gm/dl). Yellow colour is also seen in some protracted icterus.
Last modified: Tuesday, 9 November 2010, 6:50 AM