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CSF total protein
CSF total protein is a test to determine the amount of protein in your spinal fluid, also called cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Protein
Proteins are the building blocks of life. Every cell in the human body contains protein. The basic structure of protein is a chain of amino acids. ...
How the Test is Performed
A sample of CSF is needed (1 to 5 ml). A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is the most common way to collect this sample. Rarely, other methods are used for collecting CSF such as:
Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection is a test to look at the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. CSF acts as a cushion, protecting the b...
- Cisternal puncture
- Ventricular puncture
- Removal of CSF from a tube that is already in the CSF, such as a shunt or ventricular drain.
After the sample is taken, it is sent to a lab for evaluation.
Why the Test is Performed
You may have this test to help diagnose:
- Tumors
- Infection
- Inflammation of several groups of nerve cells
- Vasculitis
- Blood in the spinal fluid
- Multiple sclerosis (MS)
Normal Results
The normal protein range varies from lab to lab, but is typically about 15 to 60 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 0.15 to 0.6 milligrams per milliliter (mg/mL).
Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
The examples above show the common measurements for results for these tests. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.
What Abnormal Results Mean
An abnormal protein level in the CSF suggests a problem in the central nervous system.
Increase protein level may be a sign of a tumor, bleeding, nerve inflammation, or injury. A blockage in the flow of spinal fluid can cause the rapid buildup of protein in the lower spinal area.
A decrease in protein level can mean your body is rapidly producing spinal fluid.
References
Griggs RC, Jozefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine . 25th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2016:chap 396.
Rosenberg GA. Brain edema and disorders of cerebrospinal fluid circulation. In: Daroff RB, Fenichel GM, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice . 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 59.
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CSF protein test - illustration
CSF total protein is a test to determine the amount of protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This test may be helpful in diagnosing tumors, infective polyneuritis (inflammation of several groups of nerve cells), vasculitis, blood in the CSF, and trauma.
CSF protein test
illustration
-
CSF protein test - illustration
CSF total protein is a test to determine the amount of protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This test may be helpful in diagnosing tumors, infective polyneuritis (inflammation of several groups of nerve cells), vasculitis, blood in the CSF, and trauma.
CSF protein test
illustration
Review Date: 6/1/2015
Reviewed By: Daniel Kantor, MD, Kantor Neurology, Coconut Creek, FL and immediate past president of the Florida Society of Neurology (FSN). Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
