Cerebrospinal fluid Xanthochromia , (CSF)

Specimen

• Cerebrospinal fluid is needed.

Indication

• To assess the presence of protein in the C S F.

Pathophysiology

1. The normal color of the C S F is clear and colorless.
2. The color appearance depends upon the presence of hyperbilirubinemia, hypercarotenemia,  melanoma, and elevated protein level.
3. A cloudy appearance indicates an increased number of WBC or increased proteins.
4. A red tinge indicates blood that may be due to hemorrhage in the subarachnoid space or due to a traumatic tap.
5. Due to traumatic tap, blood may form clots, which will not occur in the subarachnoid bleeding.
   1. In traumatic tap, successive tubes become clear of blood.
6. Xanthochromia is usually referred to as a yellow tinge.

How to check xanthochromia

• The easiest way is that centrifuge the CSF and sees it against the white background.
  

  CSF Xanthochromasia

• Result
  Xanthochromia, when positive in the CSF, indicates a raised level of protein.

Please see more details in C S F fluid analysis.

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