This site is intended for healthcare professionals

Sign in
Go to /sign-in page

You can view 5 more pages before signing in

Reference range (CSF)

Last reviewed dd mmm yyyy. Last edited dd mmm yyyy

Authoring team

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.

Related pages

Create an account to add page annotations

Create a free account

Add information to this page that would be handy to have on hand during a consultation, such as a web address or phone number. This information will always be displayed when you visit this page

The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

Connect

Copyright 2024 Oxbridge Solutions Limited, a subsidiary of OmniaMed Communications Limited. All rights reserved. Any distribution or duplication of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited. Oxbridge Solutions receives funding from advertising but maintains editorial independence.