Clinical use
Raised protein suggests:
- Tumours
- Infection
- Trauma
- Polyneuritis
Background
CSF protein concentration is used to detect increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier to plasma proteins or to detect increased intrathecal production of immunoglobulins to aid in diagnosis of high intracranial pressure due to brain tumor, intracerebral hemorrhage, traumatic injury, or by inflammation due to bacterial or viral meningitis, encephalitis or poliomyelitis.
Reference ranges
Adults: 0.2 – 0.4 g/l
Patient preparation
None required
Specimen requirements
Sample type:
- CSF in a plain, white topped universal container.
- Samples should not contain blood.
Sample identification:
- Three patient identifiers from
- Name
- D.O.B.
- Address
- N.H.S. number
- Unit Number
Turnaround time
2 hours |