C-reactive protein (CRP) is a glycoprotein produced during acute inflammation or tissue destruction. The protein gets its name from its ability to react (or cross-react) with Pneumococcus somatic C-polysaccharide and precipitate it. The CRP level is not influenced by anemia or plasma protein changes. It begins to rise about 4-6 hours after onset of inflammation […]
Pressure Reference values for cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure are 100-200 mm H2O. Elevations are due to increased intracranial pressure. The two most common causes of elevated CSF pressure are meningitis and subarachnoid hemorrhage. Brain tumor and brain abscess will cause increased intracranial pressure in most cases but only after a variable period of days or […]
The appearance of the specimen is usually reported only if it is abnormal. Red: Blood; porphyria; occasionally urates, phenolphthalein, or dihydroxyanthraquinone (Dorbane) (laxative use) Brown: Blood (acid hematin); alkaptonuria (urine turns brownish on standing); melanin (may be brown and turn black on standing) Dark orange: Bile, pyridium (a urinary tract disinfectant) pH Normal urine pH […]
