The spinal fluid normally contains very little protein since serum proteins are large molecules that do not cross the blood-brain barrier. Most of the protein that is normally present is albumin.
A raised CSF protein concentration is indicative of either increased permeability of the blood brain barrier or increased synthesis of proteins within the cerebrospinal canal by inflammatory or other invading cells. Mild protein elevation may be caused by viral meningitis, neurosyphilis, subdural haematoma, cerebral thrombosis, brain tumour, multiple sclerosis (rarely >1.00 g/L)
Moderate or pronounced elevation may be caused by acute bacterial meningitis, tuberculous meningitis, spinal cord tumour, cerebral haemorrhage, Guillain-Barre syndrome.
Low CSF protein levels are indicative of rapid CSF production. Blood stained samples can provide falsely elevated results.
Tube
09 (CSF) – Plain CSF
ID
Tests&Tubes0102
Additional information
Also see information for CSF glucose and CSF Xanthochromia.
Turn around
A&E: N/A
Day Case: 6 Hours
In-Patient: 6 Hours
Out-Patient: N/A
GP: N/A
Send to
Blood Sciences Cross Site
Contact
For further details please contact Ä¢¹½tvÊÓƵ Pathology customer services: [email protected].
Collection Con
Minimum volume: 500µl CSF / Fluid
Instructions for Lab Staff: Samples must be manually centrifuged before analysis
Sample REQ
CSF