Overview
- Cell characteristics vary in septic, inflammatory and neoplastic conditions.
- Changes most dramatic with inflammation.
- The type and number of cells helps identify cause
.
Uses
Alone
- Diagnosis of central nervous system (CNS) conditions.
In combination
- With protein electrophoresis : to differentiate inflammatory changes due to meningioma from other causes.
- With cell counts and protein: to help characterize CSF and determine likely underlying cause.
Other points
- As CNS disease progresses, cytology of the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) becomes a less reliable diagnostic tool.
Result data
Normal (reference) values
- Normal CSF is clear and relatively acellular.
Abnormal values
Acute inflammation
- Non-septic - non-degenerative neutrophils in large numbers.
- Septic inflammation - degenerate changes in neutrophil; nuclei swell and have ragged outlines:
- Cells are pale staining due to release of bacterial toxins.
- May see bacteria free or within neutrophils.
Errors and Artifacts
- Cell autolysis due to delay in making smear.
- Blood contamination.
Sources
Publications
Other sources of information
- Cowell R L, Tyler R D & Meinkoth J H (1999) Diagnostic Cytology and Hematology of the Dog and Cat. 2nd edn. St. Louis: Mosby.
- Duncan J R, Prasse K W & Mahaffey E A (1994) Veterinary Laboratory Medicine. Clinical Pathology. 3rd edn. Iowa: Iowa University Press.
