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

Exercise 39

Nucleated RBCs are seen in the CSF as a result of:

A. Elevated blood RBCs

B. Treatment of anemia

C. Severe hemorrhage

D. Bone marrow contamination

Step 1 of 2

Nucleated Red Blood Cells in CSF (Cerebrospinal fluid):

RBC that contains nucleus is called nucleated RBC.

• Generally, they are found in new born infants and in circulation of fetus

• Nucleated RBCs exists in CSF due to contamination of bone marrow caused during spinal tap (medical test involves taking of cerebrospinal fluid sample for examination)

• Nucleated RBCs exists in 1% of specimens

• They resemble pyknotic nuclei of neutrophils

Therefore, nucleated RBCs appear in CSF as a consequence of “bone marrow contamination”. Hence, the correct answer is option.