Spinal Fluid Cytomorphology

Abstract

CYTOMORPHOLOGIC studies on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are rarely performed because available methods are clumsy and time-consuming, and the results are seldom worth the effort. Schönenberg¹collected cells by spontaneous sedimentation rather than centrifugation in an attempt to preserve morphological characteristics. Sayk²then constructed an apparatus which enhances the rate of sedimentation by controlled diffusion of the liquid phase. His machine, unfortunately, is not commercially available; therefore, we built our own, described in this paper. In addition, we present some selected observations, but no exhaustive treatment of spinal fluid cytomorphology is attempted. The interested reader will find ample information in pertinent reviews.^3-6 <h3>Principle of CSF Sedimentation</h3> In the Sayk apparatus, spinal fluid diffusion is accomplished by a somewhat complicated mechanical system in which pressure is applied on a filter paper which covers a standard 1-inch slide, except for a centered hole. The spinal fluid diffuses from a