Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Most frequently measured in suspected CNS infections such as meningitis and in investigation of cases of suspected cerebral or subarachnoid haemorrhages.
Specimen container paediatric:
CSF in plain universal container
Specimen container adult:
CSF in plain universal container
Minimum volume paediatric:
0.5 mL CSF
Minimum volume adult:
0.5 mL CSF
Sample stability:
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.
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 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.
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
Factors affecting result:
Blood staining
Haemolysis