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Leukocyte survival in cerebrospinal fluid
Journal of Clinical Microbiology
|May 1, 1986
Summary
Delays in cerebrospinal fluid analysis significantly impact leukocyte counts. Neutrophils degrade rapidly within 2 hours, while lymphocytes and monocytes remain stable for 3 hours, affecting diagnostic accuracy.
Area of Science:
- Clinical Medicine
- Laboratory Science
Background:
- Delays in laboratory examination of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are common.
- Accurate CSF analysis is crucial for diagnosing neurological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate changes in CSF leukocyte counts over time before laboratory analysis.
- To determine the stability of different leukocyte types in CSF samples.
Main Methods:
- Cerebrospinal fluid samples were analyzed at various time intervals post-collection.
- Leukocyte counts, specifically neutrophils, lymphocytes, and monocytes, were quantified.
Main Results:
- Neutrophil counts decreased significantly within 1-2 hours post-collection.
- Neutrophils were 68% and 50% of initial values at 1 and 2 hours, respectively.
- Lymphocyte and monocyte counts showed no significant alteration until 3 hours.
Conclusions:
- Rapid degradation of neutrophils in CSF samples occurs with analysis delays.
- Lymphocytes and monocytes exhibit greater stability in delayed CSF samples.
- Timely analysis of CSF is critical for accurate leukocyte differential counts and diagnosis.