Cerebrospinal fluid cytopathology

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) evaluations represent important diagnostic procedures for many pathologic conditions of the central nervous system, such as meningitis, encephalitis, and brain tumors. The authors' discussion of CSF cytopathology includes specimen collection and cytopreparation, microscopic evaluation, cell differential and cell counting methods, and the cellular composition of pathologic CSF. The accuracy of CSF cytopathology is indicated and future trends are noted.