CSF & Body Fluid Analysis

Calculate Q-albumin, the single best measure of blood-CSF barrier integrity, from CSF and serum albumin.

Calculate the CSF IgG index to detect intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis, correcting for blood-brain barrier permeability.

Convert CSF total protein between mg/dL and mg/L, with reference ranges by site and age and the albuminocytological dissociation pattern.

Classify a pleural effusion as exudate or transudate from paired pleural and serum protein and LDH — meeting any one criterion is enough to call it an exudate.

Calculate the serum-ascites albumin gradient, the test that has replaced the transudate/exudate split for classifying ascites.

Correct a CSF white cell count for blood contamination from a traumatic tap, using the patient’s own blood counts.