Test Details

• Discipline:

  Biochemistry

  Biochemistry

• Specimen Container Adult:

  CSF in plain universal container

  CSF in plain universal container

• Specimen Container Paediatric:

  CSF in plain universal container

  CSF in plain universal container

• Minimum Volume Adult:

  0.5 mL CSF

  0.5 mL CSF

• Minimum Volume Paediatric:

  0.5 mL CSF

  0.5 mL CSF

• Sample Stability:

  at +15° to +25°C: 1 day
  at +2° to +8°C: 6 days
  at -20°C >: 1yr

  at +15° to +25°C: 1 day
  at +2° to +8°C: 6 days
  at -20°C >: 1yr

• Transport Requirements:

  If xanthochromia analysis also required protect sample from light.

  If xanthochromia analysis also required protect sample from light.

• Interpretation:

  An elevated CSF protein content is found in the following conditions/situations:
  • Presence of blood (due to haemoglobin and plasma proteins)
  • Presence of pus (due to cell protein and exudation fr...

  An elevated CSF protein content is found in the following conditions/situations:
  • Presence of blood (due to haemoglobin and plasma proteins)
  • Presence of pus (due to cell protein and exudation from inflamed surfaces)
  • Non-purulent inflammation of the cerebral tissues (moderate rise)- seen in tuberculosis meningitis, syphilitic meningitis, multiple sclerosis, encephalitis and polyneuritis
  • Blockage of the spinal canal, when stasis results in fluid reabsorption.
  • When there is Xanthochromia and the protein concentrations are very high (usually 5g/L or more).
  Interpret in conjunction with CSF glucose for diagnosis of bacterial infections such as meningitis.

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• Reference Ranges:

  Up to 14 days: 0.4 – 1.2 g/L
  15 days to 4 weeks: 0.2 – 0.8 g/L
  5 weeks and over: < 0.4 g/L

  Up to 14 days: 0.4 – 1.2 g/L
  15 days to 4 weeks: 0.2 – 0.8 g/L
  5 weeks and over: < 0.4 g/L

• Factors Affecting Result:

  Blood staining
  Haemolysis

  Blood staining
  Haemolysis

• Routine Contact Name:

  Duty Biochemist

• Routine Telephone:

  Freeman: 0191 244 8889
  RVI: 0191 282 9719

  Freeman: 0191 244 8889
  RVI: 0191 282 9719

• Routine Email:

  nuth.dutybiochemist@nhs.net