Albumin, Cerebrospinal Fluid
Also known as: Cerebrospinal Fluid Albumin, CSF Albumin
Use
The degree of permeability of the blood-brain barrier can be evaluated by the quantitative measurements of albumin in the CSF and the serum on specimens obtained at the same time. Albumin is a particularly suitable indicator of protein because it is neither synthesized nor metabolized intrathecally. In CSF that is free of blood contamination, therefore, albumin must necessarily have come from plasma through the blood-brain barrier.
Special Instructions
The first tube of a routinely obtained three-tube set of cerebrospinal fluid should be used. A CSF specimen is obtained by spinal tap and should be collected in sterile tubes and submitted to the laboratory as soon as possible. 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.
Limitations
Excessive blood in CSF is a cause for rejection. Testing schedules may vary, and in some cases, additional time should be allowed for confirmatory or reflex tests.
Methodology
Immunoassay (Immunologic)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 1746-7
- 1746-7
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
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.
Storage Instructions
Room temperature
Causes for Rejection
Excessive blood in CSF
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant