neurologic disorders
Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap)
CSF cell count and glucose and protein levels
Cell count and differential and glucose and protein levels aid in the diagnosis of many neurologic disorders (see table). Normally, CSF:blood glucose ratio is about 0.6, and except in severe hypoglycemia, CSF glucose is typically>50 mg/dL (>2.78 mmol/L). 15%) and oligoclonal banding aid in diagnosing a demyelinating disorder such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) . Immunoglobulins in the CSF, usually IgG, can be identified by immunoblotting or immunofixation, in which they are separated by electrophoresis and then stained with antibodies. Alternatively, nephelometry can be used to quantitate protein and immunoglobulins in CSF and serum and thus enable calculation of ratios useful in diagnosing autoimmune disorders that affect the central nervous system (CNS), such as multiple sclerosis. In nephelometry, protein levels are determined by measuring the intensity of light passing through CSF or serum. 