Cytology, CSF

Description

Cytology of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) involves the microscopic examination of cells present in the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This test is crucial for diagnosing various conditions affecting the central nervous system, including infections (such as meningitis), inflammatory disorders, and cancers that may have spread to the nervous system. The procedure involves collecting a sample of CSF through a lumbar puncture and analyzing it under a microscope. Cytopathologists examine the types and numbers of cells present, looking for abnormal cells that may indicate disease. This test is particularly important in detecting malignancies like leukemia or lymphoma that have invaded the central nervous system, as well as in diagnosing certain types of brain tumors.