CSF Evaluation

The CSF software is a tool to support the evaluation and interpretation of CSF related laboratory parameters.

The CSF program has been developed for medium and small laboratories or clinics where the CSF evaluation is not part of the daily routine. These sites often do not have a laboratory information system (LIS) for CSF data. To archive and maintain data, the CSF software is provided with its own SQL database. Currently, we are using the Enhydra Instant Database version 3.26 under the free EPL – license. Other databases can be connected, for example for a Linux operating system.

• Summary of features
• Screen shot of the English version
• How to obtain the CSF software and license.

Summary of features

• The software runs on Microsoft Win32 operating systems.
• The software can also run on a Linux operating system, but would then require a different SQL database.
• Data can be imported automatically from a Beckmann Coulter IMMAGE analyzer. The IMMAGE analyzer connects to the CSF software via a standard RS-232.C 9 pin connector. The transmission mode is unidirectional. The instrument sends ASTM data to the system. The system does not send data to the instrument.
• The CSF software evaluates the available data and performs a classification into categories such as "normal CSF", "normal CSF proteins", "barrier dysfunction", "cell count increased", "inflammatory process in CNS", "specific AB-synthesis in CNS", etc.
• Protein data are represented in Reibergrams to visualize age-related blood-CSF barrier areas. The occurrence of a barrier dysfunction can be recognized directly from the Reibergrams.
• The user can change the system's results and can enter his or own own evaluations as free text.
• Data entry is mostly menu driven.
• The software can format the results to a printable document and trigger the print-out.

Screen shot of the English version

In the main CSF screen, the user can review the results for a specific patient. On the top menu bar, the user can navigate through the patients in the database or can select a specific patient and a specific report.

Patient demographics

Patient data can be imported from database or from the IMMAGE analyzer or can be entered manually.

Special analyses

Predefined special analyses are lactate, glucose, TPPA and ferritin. The reference values for these analyses may vary from clinic to clinic and can be manually defined. Other special analyses can also be added to the system.

Sender data

Sender data can be entered. Sender data will then be used for the reports.

Antibodies

In the antibody section, specific AB-indices can be calculated with respect to appropriate QIgX or Q Lim (IgX) values.

How to obtain the CSF software and license

The German version of the software can be obtained from Beckman Coulter.
Email:

International versions, except German, of the software can be obtained from Wormek .
Email: .