likvorinäyte

Likvorinäyte, also known as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample, refers to a sample of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This fluid plays a vital role in protecting the central nervous system from injury and in transporting nutrients. Collecting a likvorinäyte is a diagnostic procedure primarily performed to help identify or rule out various neurological conditions.

The most common method for obtaining a likvorinäyte is through a lumbar puncture, often referred to as a spinal tap. During this procedure, a needle is inserted into the lower back, between two vertebrae, to access the subarachnoid space where the CSF circulates. The process is typically performed by a trained medical professional in a sterile environment.

Analysis of a likvorinäyte can reveal important information about the health of the central nervous system. Laboratory tests examine the fluid for the presence of abnormalities such as infection (bacteria, viruses, fungi), inflammation, blood, abnormal protein levels, and cancer cells. Elevated or decreased levels of certain substances, or the presence of specific cells or pathogens, can indicate conditions like meningitis, encephalitis, multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or subarachnoid hemorrhage. The results of the likvorinäyte analysis are a crucial component in diagnosing and guiding the treatment of these neurological disorders.