Cerebrospinal Fluid – Cell Count Calculator

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The CSF cell count is calculated to measure the number of red and white blood cells that are in cerebrospinal fluid.

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    Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear and colorless fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It acts as a protective cushion, helping to absorb shocks and provide buoyancy to the brain. CSF also plays a role in transporting nutrients and removing waste products from the central nervous system.

    Once you have the required values (usually measured through a lumbar puncture), enter them into the online calculator.

    The calculation of the CSF cell count involves obtaining fluid samples through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). A typical white blood cell count falls between 0 and 5, while the red blood cell count is normally 0. This CSF calculation is crucial for identifying conditions such as meningitis, infections in the brain or spinal cord, tumors, abscesses, areas of tissue death (infarcts), inflammation, or bleeding into the spinal fluid.

    Number of Cells = Total Cells Counted / (Squares Counted x 0.1 )

    Example

    The total number of cells counted is 100 and the squares counted is 70 μl.

    1. Number of Cells = 100 / (70 x 0.1) =14.29 cells per µL
    2. 1µL = 1 mm3