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Reference values (cerebrospinal fluid)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

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Concentration of sodium, potassium and urea are similar to those found in the plasma.

The normal ranges for some of the other CSF components are:

  • glucose - 3.3 to 4.4 mmol/l; normally at least two thirds of the blood glucose levels
  • chloride, 122 to 128 mmol/l
  • lactate less than 2.8 mmol/l
  • pressure less than 200 mm CSF
  • protein less than 430 mg/l, with an albumin:globulin ratio of aproximately 8:1
  • lymphocytes less than 4 per cubic millimetre. In the neonatal period this figure can be up to 25, and in a bloody tap one extra white cell can be allowed for every 500 red cells.
  • polymorphs - none
  • pH 7.31

The normal adult CSF volume is about 130 ml.

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