Protein, Total, Cerebrospinal Fluid
Also known as: Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein
Use
A nonspecific but reliable indication of CNS pathology such as meningitis, brain abscess, meningovascular syphilis, CVA, neoplastic diseases, multiple sclerosis, and other degenerative processes causing neurologic disease
Special Instructions
The specimen required is cerebrospinal fluid, typically obtained by a spinal tap. It is crucial that the specimen be collected in sterile conditions, using sequentially numbered sterile tubes for different analyses: N° 1 for chemistry and immunology studies, N° 2 for microbiological examination, and N° 3 for cell count and differential. Ensure the tubes are labeled with the patient's full name, date, time of collection, and sequence number. It is imperative that the collected specimen is submitted to the laboratory as soon as possible to ensure the accuracy of the test results.
Limitations
This test offers a nonspecific measure of CNS pathology and cannot ascertain the exact type or cause of the pathology purely based on its results. Elevated protein levels in CSF can result from, but do not exclusively indicate, various conditions. Additionally, this test does not specify between different types of proteins that may be contributing to the total protein value. External factors such as sample contamination from a traumatic tap or improper handling may affect the test accuracy.
Methodology
Automated Analyzer (Clinical Chemistry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 2880-3
- 2880-3
Result Turnaround Time
1-2 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.3 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Clean sterile tube
Collection Instructions
A CSF specimen is obtained by spinal tap and should be collected in sterile tubes and submitted to the laboratory as soon as possible. Ordinarily, three samples are collected in sterile tubes, labeled sequentially as N° 1 (chemistry and immunology studies), N° 2 (microbiological examination), and N° 3 (cell count and differential). Tubes must be labeled with the patient's full name, date, time of collection, and with the number indicating the sequence in which the tubes were obtained.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis; bloody tap