Protein Electrophoresis, Cerebrospinal Fluid
Also known as: CSF Electrophoresis, Electrophoresis, CSF, Globulins, CSF, Spinal Fluid Electrophoresis
Use
Quantitate CSF protein fractions; aid in the diagnosis of inflammatory and demyelinating disease of CNS, although routine CSF protein electrophoresis is highly insensitive and nonspecific for the presence of multiple sclerosis (MS). Routine CSF protein electrophoresis has no role in screening for demyelinating diseases (eg, MS). For this, high-resolution electrophoresis is required. For tests with greater sensitivity/specificity for MS, see Oligoclonal Banding [019216].
Special Instructions
Collect the third tube of a routinely obtained three-tube set of CSF for protein electrophoretic study. Note that severe craniocerebral trauma can result in a significant increase in α2 globulins in the first week post-trauma.
Limitations
Routine CSF protein electrophoresis is not a reliable screening tool for demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis due to its insensitivity and nonspecificity. It may not adequately detect slight changes in protein distributions nor differentiate between normal and abnormal patterns in some clinical conditions.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 24352-7
- 2880-3
- 13973-3
- 13974-1
- 13972-5
- 13975-8
- 13976-6
- 13977-4
- 12782-9
Result Turnaround Time
4-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1.2 mL
Container
Sterile tube
Collection Instructions
The third tube of a routinely obtained three-tube set of CSF should be used for protein electrophoretic study.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 3 days |
| Frozen | 1 month |
Other tests from different labs that may be relevant