Diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) mean for the human organism a potentially dangerous situation. An investigation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) provides important information about a character of CNS impairment in the decision-making diagnostic and therapeutic algorithm. The authors present a brief overview of available cerebrospinal fluid assays, shortened indication criteria, a recommended algorithm of CSF assessment in different suspected diseases, and a view of the external quality system. The whole portfolio of obtainable CSF methodology is further subdivided according to the adequate choice into the first and inevitable basic routine panel, and following complicated analyses of highly specialized character. The basic panel is considered for standard laboratories, the complete specialized assessment should be provided by a super-consulting laboratory.

• MeSH
• Algorithms MeSH
• Cytological Techniques MeSH
• Clinical Laboratory Techniques MeSH
• Humans MeSH
• Macrophages MeSH
• Cerebrospinal Fluid chemistry   cytology   MeSH
• Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins analysis   MeSH
• Practice Guidelines as Topic * MeSH
• Check Tag
• Humans MeSH
• Publication type
• Journal Article MeSH
• Review MeSH
• Names of Substances
• Cerebrospinal Fluid Proteins MeSH