Urinalysis and Body Fluids 6th Edition by Majorie DiLorenzo, Susan Strasinger

Exercise 20

Describe and state the significance of macrophages in the CSF.

Step 1 of 2

Macrophages in CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid):

Macrophages are type of white blood cells; they are an important part of the immune system. They occur in CSF with response to damaged cells or dead cells.

• Macrophages remove cellular debris such as RBC (Red Blood Cells) from CSF

• They are seen after 2-4 hours of RBC entry to CSF

• Degradation of engulfed RBCs causes black or dark blue iron containing hemosiderin granule appearance

• Hematoidin crystals appear when further degeneration occurs

• Macrophages are often seen after repeated spinal taps (medical test involves taking of cerebrospinal fluid sample for examination)