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What is your approach to bloody CSF (that does not clear with sequential tubes) in a patient without acute finding on a head CT?

How do you decide when to check advanced/serial imaging, repeat an LP, and/or check additional diagnostic studies?
1 Answer
Mednet Member
Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Neurology · University of Minnesota
Answered on

I still think there is value looking for xanthochromia if CSF obtained >12 h after onset of symptoms. Yes, there are occasional false positives of xanthochromia with traumatic taps, but if a patient presents to ED with sudden onset of a severe headache, negative CT, lots of RBCs on tube 1 and tube 4...

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