Interpret the following results: • Specimen: cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
• Tubes sent: 1-4
O Tube 1 RBC count: 30,000/mcL
O Tube 2 RBC count: 1500/mcL
O Tube 3 RBC count: 200/mcL
O Tube 4 RBC count: 4/mcL
• Gross examination:
O Tube 1: moderate hemolysis, clear
O Tube 2: slight hemolysis, clear
O Tube 3: no hemolysis, clear
O Tube 4: no hemolysis, clear
• Xanthochromia: absent in all four tubes
• Microscopic findings:
O Many intact RBCs
O 0-5 neutrophils
O 0-5 lymphocytes
O 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 subsequent decrease in subsequent tubes suggests a traumatic specimen collection where blood from the surrounding tissues contaminated the first tube. The absence of xanthochromia and minimal presence of neutrophils and lymphocytes rule out cerebral hemorrhage or infection. The clear appearance and lack of bacteria suggest no contamination.

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