Differences in total protein concentration, nucleated cell count, and red blood cell count among sequential samples of cerebrospinal fluid from horses.

摘要

Three or 4 sequential samples of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were collected from the subarachnoid space in the lumbosacral region of 22 horses into separate syringes, and blood was obtained from the jugular vein. Total protein concentration, nucleatedcell count, and erythrocyte counts were determined in all samples. Among 3 sequential samples, total protein concentration and erythrocyte count were significantly lower in samples 2 and 3, compared with sample 1. Nucleated cell count was significantlylower in sample 3, compared with sample 1. Among 4 sequential samples, total protein concentration and erythrocyte count were significantly lower in samples 2, 3 and 4, compared with sample 1. Nucleated cell count was significantly lower in samples 3 and4, compared with sample 1. For 3 correction formulae, significant differences in corrected values for nucleated cell count and total protein concentration were detected between sample 1 and sample 3 or 4. It is concluded that a minimum of 3 samples should be collected before submitting the final sample for analysis because iatrogenic blood contamination decreases in sequential CSF samples. Formulae to correct nucleated cell count and total protein concentration are inaccurate and should not be used tocorrect for blood contamination in CSF samples.