什么是脑脊液培养？

中枢神经系统（CNS）由大脑和脊髓组成。脑脊液（CSF）是一种清晰的无色液体，可围绕并保护CNS。它在营养中沐浴大脑和脊柱，并消除废物。它还可以缓冲他们，以帮助防止创伤时受伤。

A CSF culture may be ordered when a person exhibits symptoms of CNS inflammation or infection. It can help diagnose the illness and determine the appropriate treatment.

CSF培养物用于检测CSF中的传染性生物。中枢神经系统容易受到细菌，病毒和真菌感染的影响。

CSF文化可以帮助诊断多种疾病，包括：

  • 细菌或病毒性脑膜炎
  • fungal infections
  • 大脑周围流血（蛛网膜下腔出血）
  • 脑和脊髓损伤
  • 癫痫
  • multiple sclerosis
  • Lyme disease
  • Guillain-Barré综合征

CSF pressure may also be measured at the same time a CSF culture is performed.

A lumbar puncture, or “spinal tap,” is used to collect CSF for culture. A physician will insert a needle into the space between two vertebrae in the lower spine. The needle will then be moved carefully into the CSF-filled space surrounding the spinal cord. When the needle is in place, fluid can drip out into a collection vial. More than one vial may be needed, and the procedure can take several minutes.

Other methods can also be used to collect CSF, though they are only used in people who have deformities of the spine or cannot undergo a standard lumbar puncture. A needle can be inserted under the occipital bone at the base of the brain. A hole can also be drilled directly into the skull.

Once enough CSF has been collected, it is sent to a laboratory. The laboratory technicians will place the CSF in dishes containing culture medium. The dishes are monitored for the growth of infectious organisms. If there is no growth, the test is considered normal, or negative.

The test is considered positive if bacteria, viruses, or fungi are detected in your CSF. This means there is an infection.

The CSF culture is not dangerous, though CSF collection does have risks. Risks of lumbar puncture include:

  • 手术过程中的不适或疼痛
  • bleeding into the spinal cord, particularly in people who take blood thinners or have a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
  • headache as a result of CSF leakage
  • 感染
  • 神经损伤

Generally, lumbar punctures should not be performed on anyone with a brain tumor or cyst. In such cases, the procedure can cause brain damage and even death. You can minimize the risk of headache by avoiding strenuous activities the day of the procedure and staying well hydrated. A nonprescription medication, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), can help reduce back pain or headache.

您的CSF文化结果将帮助您的医疗保健提供者确定是什么原因引起了您的症状。您可能需要其他测试，例如：

  • blood culture
  • 全血数（CBC）
  • 计算灰岩洞graphy (CT) scan or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

Your healthcare provider will help you put together a treatment plan to effectively target and ease the symptoms you are experiencing.