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What Does This CSF Analysis Report Indicate?
Posted on
Sun, 26 Jul 2015
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Sun, 26 Jul 2015
Answered on
Tue, 18 Aug 2015
Last reviewed on
Question : I understand the medical terms, however could you please tell me what is the significance of the following text:
"CSF analysis showed a white cell count of 17 with no protein. The virus PCR's were negative but her oligoclonal bands are positive"
"CSF analysis showed a white cell count of 17 with no protein. The virus PCR's were negative but her oligoclonal bands are positive"
Brief Answer:
The full CSF analysis report is required;possibly multiple sclerosis (MS)
Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,
1. I need to have the full report of CSF analysis to give a more complete opinion.
2. A normal white cell count in CSF is considered 0-5 depending on the lab reference range.
If white cell count was found 17, it is above the normal range. As long as virus PCR's were negative; the presence of oligoclonal bands are indicative for possible multiple sclerosis (MS).
However, as mentioned earlier, I need to have the full CSF report for a more specific opinion.
Dr.Sejdini
The full CSF analysis report is required;possibly multiple sclerosis (MS)
Detailed Answer:
Hi my dear,
1. I need to have the full report of CSF analysis to give a more complete opinion.
2. A normal white cell count in CSF is considered 0-5 depending on the lab reference range.
If white cell count was found 17, it is above the normal range. As long as virus PCR's were negative; the presence of oligoclonal bands are indicative for possible multiple sclerosis (MS).
However, as mentioned earlier, I need to have the full CSF report for a more specific opinion.
Dr.Sejdini
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your reply.
I am sorry I do not have the full csf report. I have taken what was written to my GP by the neurologist. I am waiting for MRI spine/brain also. I have a follow up appointment in 3 months time.
In another letter following my discharge from hospital, the letter mentioned monoclonal IgG, is this oligoclonal bands? Is the virus PCR's re meningitis?
I feel so ill, barely able to function.
Thank you.
I am sorry I do not have the full csf report. I have taken what was written to my GP by the neurologist. I am waiting for MRI spine/brain also. I have a follow up appointment in 3 months time.
In another letter following my discharge from hospital, the letter mentioned monoclonal IgG, is this oligoclonal bands? Is the virus PCR's re meningitis?
I feel so ill, barely able to function.
Thank you.
Brief Answer:
Clinical symptoms&CSF findings suggestive for MS as following...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,
1. No problem for the full report. In both cases (monoclonal IgG and oligoclonal bands) are referring for MS changes in the CSF.
2. Virus PCR's is a method to determine viral encephalitis. If it was negative, it means that the changes noted in the CSF were not due to virus nor meningitis but due to MS.
3. The general non-well feeling, not being able to function properly (coordinate); numbness, etc. are all related to MS. However, I still need to have a look at the reports myself before confirming MS.
If you can't provide the reports, then, I can only tell that your clinical symptoms and CSF findings are suggestive for MS.
If I was your caring doctor would advise to keep regular follow ups with neurologist for proper treatment.
Hope it helped!
Clinical symptoms&CSF findings suggestive for MS as following...
Detailed Answer:
Hi back my dear,
1. No problem for the full report. In both cases (monoclonal IgG and oligoclonal bands) are referring for MS changes in the CSF.
2. Virus PCR's is a method to determine viral encephalitis. If it was negative, it means that the changes noted in the CSF were not due to virus nor meningitis but due to MS.
3. The general non-well feeling, not being able to function properly (coordinate); numbness, etc. are all related to MS. However, I still need to have a look at the reports myself before confirming MS.
If you can't provide the reports, then, I can only tell that your clinical symptoms and CSF findings are suggestive for MS.
If I was your caring doctor would advise to keep regular follow ups with neurologist for proper treatment.
Hope it helped!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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