Interpret the following results: -Specimen: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
-Tubes sent: 1-4
-Tube 1 RBC count: 30,000/mcL
-Tube 2 RBC count: 1500/mcL
-Tube 3 RBC count: 200/mcL
-Tube 4 RBC count: 4/mcL
-Gross examination:
-Tube 1: moderate hemolysis,clear
-Tube 2: slight hemolysis,clear
-Tube 3: no hemolysis,clear
-Tube 4: no hemolysis,clear
-Xanthochromia: absent in all four tubes
-Microscopic findings:
-Many intact RBCs
-0-5 neutrophils
-0-5 lymphocytes
-0-5 MNCs
What do these data most likely represent?
A)A cerebral hemorrhage
B)A traumatic specimen collection
C)A possible infection in the CSF
D)A bacterial contamination from an external source

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The high RBC count in the first tube and decreasing counts in subsequent tubes, along with the presence of intact RBCs and low numbers of white blood cells, suggest a traumatic specimen collection. Xanthochromia, a yellow discoloration in the CSF due to breakdown of red blood cells, is absent in all four tubes, further supporting a traumatic tap rather than a cerebral hemorrhage. The absence of significant hemolysis and bacterial contamination suggests that the sample is suitable for further analysis.

Interpret the Following Results: -Specimen: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)