Question 1

had hsv dna pcr test with csf?  negative.  also had hsv 1/2 antibody (igm), ifa with reflex to titer, csf. negative. can i still have hsv 1 or 2?

Accepted Answer

No HSV in CNS: With these tests, you're obviously under a doctor's care, maybe including an infectious diseases specialist or neurologist. They can answer these questions best. But these results effectively rule out HSV infection of your central nervous system. Something else is causing the problem. That said, the HSV IgM test is notoriously unreliable. You probably also had an IgG test, probably negative.

Question 2

what exactly is a csf culture & what is its purpose? is it difficult to perform and does it take longer than blood cultures for a result to come back?

Accepted Answer

Spinal tap: CSF is cerebrospinal fluid which is obtained through a lumbar puncture or spinal tap. It would be sent for culture to check for bacterial vs. viral or aseptic meningitis. Depending on the organism  being cultured for it can take a few days to weeks for a result

Question 3

what is a pcr test?

Accepted Answer

PCR test: There are several answers but the most universal is the polymerase chain reaction test used to multiply dna sampling to determine pathogens and also for use in legal specimen procedures. It can also  be used for human genetic testing for disease incidence and susceptibility.

Question 4

what are the steps for hiv testing using a pcr?

Accepted Answer

Steps?: I'm not sure what you're asking.  The "steps" are that you have your doctor order it, go to the lab, hold our your arm, and get the blood drawn.  The more complicated question has to do with the indication for the test: who needs it and when.  If that's what you're asking, please repost the question.

Question 5

why after lambar puncture procedur the csf rhinorrhea was stopped ?

Accepted Answer

May be temporary: By removing fluid, the pressure in the CSF compartment decreases, so the leak may stop for a bit.

Question 6

how do you treat csf otorrhea?

Accepted Answer

It depends: It depends on the cause- basilar skull fracture, recent surgery, congenital, inner ear disease or rarely spontaneously.  Also implied is a perforated ear drum allowing the leaking CSF to exit the middle ear into the external ear canal or eustachian tube. Meningitis must be identified if present. Treatment  could involve antibiotics, diuretics, steroids or surgery.

Question 7

what are symptoms of a csf leak?

Accepted Answer

CSF leak: Clear, bloody, or pus from the nose or ear with signs of infection (fever) and stiff neck or headache - if you suspect a leak, strongly suggest being seen by a competent doctor who can give you care.

Question 8

were can i get hiv rna pcr test?

Accepted Answer

Almost anywhere: Any doctor can order this, but if there is an std or HIV clinic near you that is a good place to go. Some commercial laboratories may do this without a doctor's order. Call and ask. Good luck and hope this is negative.

Question 9

how accurate is the hiv-dna by pcr?

Accepted Answer

Nucleic acid Test : Hiv is a RNA virus.  Nucleic acid testing (nat) is done to (1) detect virus for an early diagnosis after potential exposure; (2) donated blood to detect infection, (3) to measure the viral load in someone undergoing treatment for hiv.  Nat may be negative up to two weeks or so after acquiring infection. It is the most accurate of the tests for hiv.

Question 10

what sort of disorder is csf otorrhea?

Accepted Answer

A serious condition: CSF is cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. CSF otorrhea is when the fluid is draining out of your ear. It is considered a sign of a basilar skull fracture. It can also be associated with leakage thru the nose which is refered to as CSF rhinorrhea.

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Doctor answers about:

Csf pcr

A member asked:

Had hsv dna pcr test with csf? negative. also had hsv 1/2 antibody (igm), ifa with reflex to titer, csf. negative. can i still have hsv 1 or 2?

A member asked:

What exactly is a csf culture & what is its purpose? is it difficult to perform and does it take longer than blood cultures for a result to come back?

A member asked:

What is a pcr test?

A member asked:

What are the steps for hiv testing using a pcr?

A member asked:

Why after lambar puncture procedur the csf rhinorrhea was stopped ?

A member asked:

How do you treat csf otorrhea?

A member asked:

What are symptoms of a csf leak?

A member asked:

Were can i get hiv rna pcr test?

A member asked:

How accurate is the hiv-dna by pcr?

A member asked:

What sort of disorder is csf otorrhea?

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