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A member asked:

What exactly does it mean when the white blood cell count is high after having a spinal tap?

2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Dr. Michael Dugan answered

Specializes in Hematology

If the high: Wbc was in the spinal fluid this would be consistent with meningitis. If the blood count is up this would be indicative of a response to infection, but may well not be in the spinal fluid.

Answered 11/1/2016

5.2k views

Thank

Lumbar puncture: A high white blood cell count in a spinal tap is most commonly indicative of an infection.

Answered 4/6/2013

5.2k views

Thank

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