CSF Smear
Alternate Names : Spinal Fluid Smear
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How is the Test Performed?
The CSF is usually obtained through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
A small amount of the CSF is removed and sent to the lab. A smear involves spreading a thin sample on a glass slide, fixing (preserving) the sample, and staining. Often a Gram stain is done for bacteria. Less commonly, an acid-fast stain is done for tuberculosis and tuberculosis-like bacteria. Rarely, a fungal stain is done. It is then examined under a microscope.
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