All issues > Volume 12(1); 1969

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1969;12(1):25-28. Published online January 31, 1969.

The Effect of Enviromental Temperature and Time on C.S.F. Cell Counts

H.S. Lee¹, S.W. Lee¹, J.W. Yu¹, J. Kim¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Presbyterian Hospital Taegu Korea

Abstract

The effect of enviromental temperature and time on C.S.F. cell counts was studied in specimens from twenty patients with Encephalitis or Meningitis. The following results were obtained; Percentage of reduction in C.S.F. cell counts Room temp. (18° C) Refrigerator temp. (4°C) 1 hr 18.37% 1.88% 3 hr 30.83% 2.73% 6 hr 38.07% 6.69% 12 hr 50.58% 11.32% 24 hr 64.80% 20.49% Conclusions: 1)There was significantly less reduction in cell count of C.S.F. stored at 4°C (refrigerator temp than at 18° C (room temp.) at all time during 24 hours. 2)If C.S.F. specimens are maintained at 18°C (room temp.), it is recommanded that cell count be done within 60 minutes or less after lumbar puncture to assure accuracy. 3) If it is impossible to study the C.S.F. cell count within minutes after lumbar puncture, it is recommended that the C.S.F. be stored immediately at 4°C (refrigerator temp.) and cell count done before twelve hours.

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