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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does This Lab Test Using Spinal Tab Method Indicate?

Hello! I just had a spinal tap done. My Dr is looking for MS or another issue that could be causing my symptoms. My test results are.
Glucose CSF (67), Protein CFS (31.0), Tube Number (4), Color and Clarity is Colorless and Clear, White Blood Cells CSF (3), Segmented Neutrophils CSF (1), Lymphocytes CSF (85), Monocytes (14). Everything else was a 0 so I didn't put them down. What can cause the Lymphocytes to be so high? Will MS cause this? Thanks Christine
Fri, 5 Dec 2014
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Neurologist,  's  Response
I read your question and I am sorry about your concern.
Those results show an elevation of the protein and the lymphocyte count. Before continuing I must point out that the White Blood Cells (WBC) count must be mistaken because the WBC include all the neutrophils, lymphocites, monocites so number can't be lower as it's their sum.
Regarding the question on multiple sclerosis, well yes, it can show high lymphocyte and protein numbers. On the other hand they can change from other causes as well, like from central nervous system infections. So the diagnosis is directed by the history and clinical exam.
However usually to search for the diagnosis of MS, the spinal tap is obtained more for the purpose of testing for what are called immunoglobulins and the presence of oligoclonal bands. I don't know if those have been tested, the rest doesn't help much for the diagnosis of MS. Usually the diagnosis of MS if put by MRI, and spinal tap is obtained if in doubt to search for oligoclonal bands.
I hope to have been of help. Feel free to ask further questions.
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What Does This Lab Test Using Spinal Tab Method Indicate?

I read your question and I am sorry about your concern. Those results show an elevation of the protein and the lymphocyte count. Before continuing I must point out that the White Blood Cells (WBC) count must be mistaken because the WBC include all the neutrophils, lymphocites, monocites so number can t be lower as it s their sum. Regarding the question on multiple sclerosis, well yes, it can show high lymphocyte and protein numbers. On the other hand they can change from other causes as well, like from central nervous system infections. So the diagnosis is directed by the history and clinical exam. However usually to search for the diagnosis of MS, the spinal tap is obtained more for the purpose of testing for what are called immunoglobulins and the presence of oligoclonal bands. I don t know if those have been tested, the rest doesn t help much for the diagnosis of MS. Usually the diagnosis of MS if put by MRI, and spinal tap is obtained if in doubt to search for oligoclonal bands. I hope to have been of help. Feel free to ask further questions.