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HelpTest ID TPSF Protein, Total, Spinal Fluid
Specimen Required
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge specimen to remove any cellular material.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Renal Diagnostics Test Request (T830) with the specimen.
Useful For
Detecting disruptions of the blood-brain barrier or intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins
Method Name
Reflectance Spectrophotometry
Reporting Name
Protein, Total, CSFSpecimen Type
CSFSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 180 days |
Clinical Information
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins are those that remain in CSF following the ultrafiltration of plasma through the choroidal capillary wall. Some proteins that are unique to CSF are synthesized in the central nervous system. In general, diseases that interrupt the integrity of the capillary endothelial barrier lead to an increase in the total CSF protein.
CSF protein is generally increased in all types of meningitis, cerebral infarction, brain abscess, meningovascular syphilis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, some brain tumors, trauma to the brain, some cases of multiple sclerosis, encephalomyelitis, and degenerative neurologic diseases. A decreased CSF protein may occur in water intoxication, CSF leak (CSF rhinorrhea or otorrhea), and hyperthyroidism.
Reference Values
≥12 months: 0-35 mg/dL
Reference values have not been established for patients that are <12 months of age.
Cautions
Increased cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) total protein is sensitive, but not specific, for detecting disruptions of the blood-brain barrier or intrathecal synthesis of immunoglobulins.
The presence of hemoglobin in CSF will cause an increase in measured total protein by this method. Internal validation studies have been conducted to estimate the contribution of hemolysis to the measured total protein concentration, and are appended to the result as a comment in these situations. Results should be interpreted with caution as hemolysis may be present due to traumatic lumbar puncture or due to a CNS hemorrhagic process.
Specimens should be collected prior to the intrathecal administration of contrast media. Significant positive bias can occur when CSF contains contrast media. Examples of contrast media include Iopamidol, Iohexol, and Metrizamide.
Blood in the CSF specimen invalidates the protein value.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
Same day/1 to 2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
84157