DOCUMENTI - Documents
Volume:
Biochimica Clinica 2014; 38(3) 238-254
Pubblicato on-line:
DOI:
L’analisi del liquido cefalorachidiano
AUTORI
1Laboratorio di Patologia Clinica e Genetica Medica, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milano
2Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche e Microbiologia, Congregazione delle Suore dell'Addolorata "Ospedale Valduce", Como
3Laboratorio Generale, Dipartimento Diagnostica di Laboratorio, Azienda Ospedaliero Universitaria Careggi, Firenze
4Laboratorio Analisi Chimico Cliniche, Azienda Ospedaliera Papa Giovanni XXIII, Bergamo
5Laboratorio di Patologia Clinica, Ospedale SS. Annunziata, Chieti
6Dipartimento di Medicina Sperimentale e Chirurgia, Facoltà di Medicina e Chirurgia, Università di Roma "Tor Vergata", Roma
7Laboratorio di Analisi, Ospedale Belcolle, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale, Viterbo
8Diagnostica e Ricerca San Raffaele, Ospedale San Raffaele, Milano
9Dipartimento di Patologia Clinica, Presidio Ospedaliero di Fidenza, Azienda Unità Sanitaria Locale di Parma
ABSTRACT
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis
The laboratory investigation of CSF has been developed over the years as a diagnostic tool for many neurological diseases. Although minimally invasive, CSF is obtained with a traumatic procedure; therefore, the whole laboratory process should be established to maximize the analytical performance. Based on the review of international guidelines and on the experience developed by members of the SIBioC Working Group, the present document provides practical information for laboratory professionals to better address the CSF analysis in different diagnostic situations. The report faces the pathophysiologic meaning of the determination of biochemical parameters, such as glucose, lactate, albumin, immunoglobulins, b-amyloid, tau protein, and the cellular content, providing also evidence on the proper methodological approach. Quantitative and qualitative CSF parameters useful to diagnose an inflammatory process of the central nervous system are discussed, particularly with reference to multiple sclerosis. Indications on how laboratory data should be presented to meet international recommendations are also included.
