Chloride Csf
What is this test?
Chloride Cerebrospinal fluid test is used to measure the levels of chloride in the cerebrospinal fluid. This test is used in addition to other diagnostic tests of meningitis.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is a condition in which the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord are inflamed. This may be due to viral, bacterial, fungal or parasitic infections. In some cases, meningitis can be improved without treatment whereas others can be life-threatening and require immediate treatment. The most common symptoms seen in meningitis are a severe headache, sudden fever, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, seizures, sleeplessness, confusion, difficulty in concentrating, difficulty to walk, sensitive to light, loss of appetite or thirst, skin rashes, etc. The symptoms observed in newborns are high fever, excessive sleep, irritability, constant crying, inactive, poor appetite, a bulge in the soft spot on top of the baby’s head, stiffness in the baby’s back or neck, etc.
What is Chloride?
Chloride is an important mineral and a type of electrolyte which works with other electrolytes like potassium and sodium. Chloride is an electrically charged mineral and helps balance acids and bases in the body. It also moves fluid in and out of the cells. Hence low levels of chloride may lead to dehydration and high levels indicate improper functioning of organs.
Why this test is performed?
This test may be recommended to you if you are suspected to have any central nervous system infection. If you experience symptoms like neck stiffness, sudden fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, seizures, confusion, difficulty in walking or difficulty in concentrating, etc, this test may be recommended. This test is also recommended to see if the treatment given is working effectively.
Also known as Chloride (Cl-) CSF.
Test Preparation
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Chloride Csf. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Chloride Csf.
No specific preparation is required for chloride cerebrospinal fluiud test.
Understanding your test results
The chloride cerebrospinal fluid test results can be interpreted only by your doctor. Usually, during tubercular meningitis and pyogenic meningitis, the chloride levels in cerebrospinal fluid are reduced. However, consult your doctor immediately once you receive your test reports. Your doctor may advise you other diagnostic tests or treatment according to your test results.
| Gender | Age groups | Value |
| UNISEX | All age groups | 113 - 130 mEq/L |