CAP Pro Course - Urinalysis - Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis

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Author: Marjorie Di Lorenzo, MT(ASCP)SH
Reviewer: Rory Huschka, M.Ed., MT(ASCP)

Continuing Education Credits

Objectives

  • Describe the appearance of normal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and list causes of abnormal CSF color and clarity.
  • List diagnostic reasons for hematologic testing of CSF and describe CSF handling procedures that will provide quality specimens to ensure proper patient diagnosis and treatment.
  • Describe methods for obtaining accurate RBC and nucleated cell counts in CSF.
  • Describe slide preparation and staining techniques necessary to obtain optimal microscopic cellular morphology and list possible causes of artifact.
  • Identify cell types and microscopic structures seen in CSF and associate abnormal hematologic CSF findings with known pathologies.

Course Outline

  • Describe the appearance of normal cerebrospinal fluid and list causes of abnormal CSF color and clarity.
      • Normal CSF Appearance
      • Causes of Abnormal Color and Clarity in CSF Samples
      • Causes of Abnormal Color and Clarity in CSF Samples, continued
      • Differentiation of Traumatic Tap and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
      • Table: Differentiation of Traumatic Tap and Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH)
      • Differentiation of Traumatic Tap and SAH, continued
      • What test is performed on CSF to differentiate a subarachnoid hemorrhage from a traumatic tap?
      • A bloody CSF specimen with an RBC count of 80,000/µL is centrifuged to examine the supernatant. The appearance of the supernatant after centrifug...
  • List diagnostic reasons for hematologic testing of CSF and describe CSF handling procedures that will provide quality specimens to ensure proper patient diagnosis and treatment.
      • Reasons for Hematologic Testing of Cerebrospinal Fluid - Detection of Meningitis
      • Detection of Malignant Cells
      • Detection of Intracranial Bleed
      • Cerebrospinal Fluid Stability, Preservation, and Distribution
      • What is indicated when pleocytosis of neutrophils is found in the CSF?
      • What department is the CSF tube #3 delivered to when three tubes are collected?
  • Describe methods for obtaining accurate RBC and nucleated cell counts in CSF.
      • Manual Cell Count
      • Manual Cell Count, continued
      • Manual Cell Count Calculation
      • Automated Cell Count
      • In which of the following conditions is a disposable hemocytometer recommended?
      • A clear and colorless CSF specimen is received in the hematology department. How should the specimen be reported?
  • Describe slide preparation and staining techniques necessary to obtain optimal microscopic cellular morphology and list possible causes of artifact.
      • Slide Preparation For Microscopic Analysis of CSF
      • Slide Preparation for Microscopic Analysis of CSF, continued
      • Artifact Seen in CSF Slide Preparations
      • What is the purpose of adding albumin to a CSF specimen before cytocentrifugation?
      • Why is a daily control slide of saline and albumin prepared and examined microscopically when using the cytocentrifuge?
  • Identify cell types and microscopic structures seen in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and associate abnormal hematologic CSF findings with known pathologies.
      • Nucleated Cells and Other Microscopic Elements Seen in CSF
      • Abnormal and Immature Cells in CSF
      • Malignant Cells in CSF
      • Additional Abnormal Microscopic Findings in CSF
      • Abnormal Hematologic Findings in CSF and Associated Pathologies
      • Which cells could be seen after a CNS diagnostic procedure that would indicate bone marrow contamination?
      • What cell is increased in the CSF in a parasitic infection?
  • References
      • References

Additional Information

Level of Instruction: Intermediate
Intended Audience: This program is designed as an educational and training tool for MLS, MT, and MLT personnel, medical laboratory science students and interns, pathology residents, and practicing pathologists.
Author Information: Marjorie Di Lorenzo, MT(ASCP)SH is a medical technologist with 40 years of laboratory experience. She has assumed many roles in her career, first as a staff technologist and moving into roles of laboratory management and education in CLS and MLT programs. She is the co-author for several textbooks and articles on the topics of urinalysis and body fluids. Marjorie is currently the Phlebotomy Technician Program Coordinator at Nebraska Methodist College and an Adjunct Instructor in the Division of Laboratory Sciences at the University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska.
Reviewer Information: Rory Huschka, M.Ed., MT(ASCP), has over 20 years of combined experience as a medical technologist, technical supervisor, professor, and manager. He is the former Director of Medical Laboratory Science and Medical Laboratory Technician Programs at Brookline College. He is currently a Program Director at MediaLab, Inc. Rory holds a BS degree in Medical Technology from North Dakota State University and a Masters in Educational Leadership.

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