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Cerebrospinal fluid culture

Definition

A cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) culture is a laboratory test to look for bacteria, fungus, and viruses in the clear fluid that moves in the space surrounding the spinal cord.

Alternative Names

Culture - CSF; Spinal fluid culture: CSF culture

How the test is performed

A sample of CSF fluid is needed. This is usually done with a lumbar puncture. For information on how this procedure is performed, see: spinal tap.

The sample is sent to the laboratory, where it is placed in a special dish (called a culture medium). The laboratory personnel watch to see if bacteria, fungus, or viruses grow in the dish. Growth means there is an infection.

How to prepare for the test

For information on how to prepare for the procedure to obtain the CSF sample, see: spinal tap.

How the test will feel

For information on how it will feel to have a sample of CSF fluid removed, see: spinal tap.

Why the test is performed

Your doctor may order this test if you have signs of an infection that affects your brain or nervous system. The test will help identify the origin of the infection. This helps your doctor determine the best course of treatment.

Normal Values

A normal result means no bacteria, virus, or fungus grew in the laboratory dish. This is called a negative result.

What abnormal results mean

An abnormal result means a fungus, virus, or bacteria grew in the laboratory dish. This is considered a positive culture and is a sign of an infectious meningitis. This does not necessarily mean the infection is contagious, unless it is meningococcal meningitis.

See also:

• Aseptic meningitis
• Brucellosis
• Cryptococcosis
• Myelomeningocele (children)

What the risks are

A laboratory culture poses no risk to the patient. For risks associated with the procedure done to get a CSF sample, see: spinal tap.

Review Date:12/3/2007
Reviewed By:D. Scott Smith, M.D., MSc, DTM&H, Chief of Infectious Disease & Geographic Medicine, Kaiser Redwood City, CA & Adjunct Assistant Professor, Stanford University. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

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