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CSF glucose testDefinition: A CSF glucose test measures the amount of sugar (glucose) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that flows in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain.
See also:
Alternative Names: Glucose test - CSF; Cerebrospinal fluid glucose test
How the test is performed: A sample of CSF is needed. A lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap, is the most common way to collect this sample. For information on this procedure, see the article on lumbar puncture .
Other methods for collecting CSF are rarely used, but may be recommended in some cases. They include:
- Cisternal puncture
- Ventricular puncture
- Removal of CSF from a tube that is already in the CSF, such as a shunt or ventricular drain
After the sample is taken, it is sent to a laboratory for evaluatoin.
Why the test is performed: This test may be done to diagnose tumors, infections, inflammation of the central nervous system, delirium, and other neurological and medical conditions.
Normal Values: The glucose level in the CSF should be 50 - 80 mg/100 mL (or greater than 2/3 of the blood sugar level).
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results mean: Abnormal results include increased and decreased glucose levels. Abnormal results may be due to:
- Infection (bacterial or fungus)
- Inflammation of the central nervous system
- Tumor
References: Griggs RC, Jozefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 418.
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| Review Date: 6/24/2009
Reviewed By: David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
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