Lab Dept:

Other Fluids

Test Name:

PROTEIN, CSF

General Information

Lab Order Codes:

CTP

Synonyms:

Protein Spinal Fluid; CSF Protein

CPT Codes:

84155 – Protein; total, except refractometry

Test Includes:

CSF protein in mg/dL

Logistics

Test Indications:

Useful for the evaluation of central nervous system disease.

Lab Testing Sections:

Chemistry

Phone Numbers:

Minneapolis:

Saint Paul:

612-813-6280

651-220-6550

Test Availability:

Daily, 24 hours

Turnaround Time:

4 hours

Special Instructions:

N/A

Specimen

Specimen Type:

CSF

Container:

Screw capped, sterile vial

Draw Volume:

0.6 mL fluid

Processed Volume:

0.2 mL fluid, spun

Collection:

Maintain sterility and forward promptly at ambient temperature only

Special Processing:

N/A

Patient Preparation:

None

Sample Rejection:

Mislabeled or unlabeled specimens

Interpretive

Reference Range:

0 – 2 days:

40 - 120 mg/dL

2 days - 1 month:

20 - 80 mg/dL

>1 month:

15 - 40 mg/dL

Critical Values:

>150 mg/dL

Limitations:

Samples containing amakacin, gentamicin, kanamycin, tobramycin, neomycin, or sulfates falsely increase protein results.

Methodology:

Pyrogallol Red

References:

UCFP Flex® reagent cartridge insert sheet Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics Inc. (2009)

Jacobs & DeMott Laboratory Test Handbook (2001) Lexi-Comp, Inc, Hudson, OH, 5th Edition

Biorad Liquichek Control Product inserts, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Irvine, CA 92618

Biorad Liquichekä Urine Chemistry Control Product insert, Bio-Rad Laboratories, Irvine, CA 92618

Updates:

2/17/2005: Critical value previously listed as 100 mg/dL.