Increased numbers of lymphocytes in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) are indicative of viral meningitis.
Appearance
Due to cytocentrifugation, lymphocytes in body fluid may be larger or have more abundant cytoplasm than lymphocytes in peripheral blood. Nucleoli may also be visible.
Lookalikes
Cytocentrifugation may make lymphocytes appear larger and make their nucleoli more apparent. These changes can cause lymphocytes to be mistaken for blasts if not careful. Looking at patient history can help with identification.
Gallery
