Turbidity - LabCE.com, Laboratory Continuing Education

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Turbidity

Spinal fluid samples can be either clear or turbid. Table 2 lists a rating system for turbid CSF specimens that some sources may use.

Table 2. Quantifying CSF Turbidity.

Quantitation	Description
0	Clear fluid
1+	Faintly cloudy, smoky, or hazy
2+	Turbidity evident but newsprint read easily through the tube
3+	Turbid with newsprint not easily read through the tube
4+	Turbid with newsprint not able to be seen through the tube

Turbidity may be caused by white blood cells (WBCs), red blood cells (RBCs), fungi, bacteria, amoebae, contrast media, or aspiration of epidural fat during puncture. 200 WBCs/mm³ will cause slight turbidity (1+); increased numbers of WBCs will cause increased turbidity. At least 400 erythrocytes/mm³ are needed to produce 1+ turbidity.

CSF may have an oily appearance due to the presence of substances remaining in the fluid following radiologic (x-ray) procedures.

1. Hassan, Hossam. "Cerebrospinal Fluid." November 8, 2014. Available at: https://www.slideserve.com/leo-murphy/cerebrospinal-fluid-by-hossam-hassan.

CSF turbidity is displayed in the tube on the left with a
normal CSF sample on the right. (1)