CSF total protein is a test to determine the amount of protein in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord. An abnormal protein level in the CSF suggests that there is an abnormal process occurring in the central nervous system.
How the test is performedA sample of CSF is needed. A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is the most common way to collect this sample. For information on this procedure, see the article on lumbar puncture.
Other methods for collecting CSF are rarely used, by may be recommended in some cases. They include:
After the sample is taken, it is sent to a laboratory for evaluation.
How to prepare for the testSee: Lumbar puncture
How the test will feelSee: Lumbar puncture
Why the test is performedYour doctor may order this test to help diagnose tumors, infection, inflammation of several groups of nerve cells, vasculitis, blood in the spinal fluid, or injury.
Normal ValuesThe normal protein range varies from lab to lab, but is typically about 15 to 60 mg/dL.
Note: mg/dL = milligrams per deciliter
Note: Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your doctor about the meaning of your specific test results.
What abnormal results meanWhen the protein level in the CSF increases considerably, it may be a sign of a tumor, bleeding, nerve inflammation, or injury.
When the protein level in the CSF decreases, it can mean your body is rapidly producing spinal fluid.
Protein can accumulate in the lower spinal area where the lumbar puncture is performed if the free flow along the spinal cord is blocked by something. In this case, the protein can be many hundreds of milligrams/deciliter.
Additional conditions under which the test may be performed:
See: Lumbar puncture
ReferencesGriggs RC, Jozefowicz RF, Aminoff MJ. Approach to the patient with neurologic disease. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier. 2007: chap 418.Yes, glucose is found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Glucose is one of the primary sources of energy for the brain and is transported from the blood into the CSF to support normal brain function. Monitoring glucose levels in CSF is important in diagnosing certain neurological conditions.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically a sterile fluid, meaning it should not contain any normal flora. The presence of bacteria in the CSF is abnormal and can indicate an infection, such as meningitis.
Absorption at the arachnoid granulations returns cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to the bloodstream by allowing CSF to enter the venous circulation. This process helps maintain the balance of CSF in the brain and spinal cord.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) mainly consists of water, electrolytes, glucose, and small amounts of protein. The cellular components of CSF include white blood cells, red blood cells, and occasionally some other types of cells, such as lymphocytes. The presence of these cells can indicate various conditions affecting the central nervous system.
Most cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is produced within the lateral ventricles of the brain.
Since blood-csf barrier is not well developed in neonates protein leak from blood to csf occurs...so csf protein is high in neonates and infants...for similar reason csf protein is elevated in all meningitis due to vascular permeability...
Yes, protein can be found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The normal protein concentration in CSF is much lower than in blood, typically ranging from 15 to 45 mg/dL. Elevated levels of protein in CSF can indicate various conditions such as infection or inflammation of the brain or spinal cord.
In a lumbar puncture (LP) procedure, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is removed for analysis of protein, glucose, bacteria, etc., to assist in neurologic disease diagnosis.
Yes. Increased protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can indicate inflammation or some other disorders. It may indicate an infection, such as meningitis. Other conditions, such as Multiple sclerosis, have increased proteins in the CSF.
The typical finding in Cerebro Spinal Fluid(CSF) of Guillian- Barre syndrome is known as Albumino Cytological dissociation, which means high protein and a low cell count which does not go with the amount of protein detected in CSF.
CsF is the chemical formula of caesium fluoride.
No, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) does not have the exact same composition as blood plasma. CSF is produced by the choroid plexus in the brain and is an ultrafiltrate of plasma with lower protein and glucose levels but higher chloride concentrations. Additionally, CSF plays a role in cushioning the brain and spinal cord, as well as removing waste products.
Colnago-CSF Bardiani was created in 1982.
Yes, glucose is found in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Glucose is one of the primary sources of energy for the brain and is transported from the blood into the CSF to support normal brain function. Monitoring glucose levels in CSF is important in diagnosing certain neurological conditions.
The compound formula of cesium fluoride is CsF.
CsF is the chemical formula of caesium fluoride.
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is typically a sterile fluid, meaning it should not contain any normal flora. The presence of bacteria in the CSF is abnormal and can indicate an infection, such as meningitis.