A stepwise management approach to an unexpected cause of a yellow CSF tap; A case report

MAIN POINTS Yellow CSF tap could indicate a possible CSF contamination with Povidone-iodine. A contaminated spinal needle can be a source of chemical meningitis. Use of disposable spinal trays for skin preparation should be encouraged to avoid the possibility of CSF contamination. A stepwise management protocol for contaminated spinal needle may help to decrease the incidence of chemical meningitis. Chemical meningitis is a feared complication to the skin antiseptic solutions used in skin preparation during neuraxial blocks. We report a case of a yellow CSF tap with a suggested management protocol.

Automated summary

A yellow CSF tap could indicate contamination with Povidone-iodine. Contaminated spinal needles may cause chemical meningitis. Disposable spinal trays should be used for skin preparation to prevent CSF contamination. A stepwise management protocol is recommended to reduce the incidence of chemical meningitis.