Are semiqualitative tests for cerebrospinal fluid reliable.

ABSTRACT

Two hundred and seventy two Samples of the cerebrospinal fluid were studied for their components such as protein and sugar. The study revealed that the protein as detected by Pandy’s test correlated well with those obtained by quantitative techniques but, this study revealed the sugar detected by Benedict’s test poorly correlated with the results obtained by quantitative techniques. There was no significant effect by volume controlled between automatic pipette and a medicine dropper, and the result of data observed by two observers calculated by Kappa statistics showed no interobserver variation. If is concluded that Pandy’s test is still a reliable bedside test when performed correctly.