When evaluating a CSF for a hemorrhage or a traumatic tap, what laboratory results would be expected if it were a traumatic tap?
A) Tube 1 would have a lower red cell count than Tube 4.
B) Tube 1 would have a higher red cell count than Tube 4.
C) Tube 1 would show xanthochromia, and Tube 4 would show no xanthochromia.
D) Tube 1 would not have any cells, but tube 4 would have many crenated cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

A traumatic tap is caused by injury to the meninges during the collection of the CSF. This causes blood from the surrounding tissues to enter the sample, leading to an artificially high red cell count in the initial tubes. As the technician progresses towards Tube 4, the red cell count decreases due to the dilution of the sample with each tube. In the case of a hemorrhage, the red cell count would remain consistently high across all tubes, while in a traumatic tap, the red cell count would decrease as the sample is collected. Therefore, Tube 1 would have a higher red cell count than Tube 4, indicating a traumatic tap.

When Evaluating a CSF for a Hemorrhage or a Traumatic