reference range (CSF)
Last reviewed 01/2018
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.