What is the normal total cell count in CSF?

What is the normal total cell count in CSF?

• A. 0-5 cells/mm3
• B. 50-100 cells/mm3
• C. 100-200 cells/mm3
• D. 20-40 cells/mm3

Answer: (A)

Normal CSF has very few cells because it’s a mostly clear, sterile fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In a healthy adult, the total white blood cell count in CSF is typically 0 to 5 cells per cubic millimeter, with the few cells mostly being lymphocytes and monocytes. Counts higher than this indicate inflammation or infection, such as meningitis, and are not considered normal. So the best choice for a normal total CSF cell count is 0–5 cells/mm3; the other ranges would reflect pathological states.

Normal CSF has very few cells because it’s a mostly clear, sterile fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. In a healthy adult, the total white blood cell count in CSF is typically 0 to 5 cells per cubic millimeter, with the few cells mostly being lymphocytes and monocytes. Counts higher than this indicate inflammation or infection, such as meningitis, and are not considered normal. So the best choice for a normal total CSF cell count is 0–5 cells/mm3; the other ranges would reflect pathological states.