CSF Albumin Test
The CSF Albumin test measures the level of albumin, a protein made by the liver, in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the clear liquid that surrounds and protects your brain and spinal cord.
{"This test checks for albumin protein in the fluid around your brain and spine","It helps doctors evaluate if the blood-brain barrier is damaged","Elevated levels may indicate infections, inflammation, or other neurological conditions","The test requires a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect the sample","Results are often interpreted together with blood albumin levels"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 1746-7
- Short code
- CSF ALB
- Synonyms
- Albumin CSF-mCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile CSF collection tube (polypropylene)
- Units
- not specified
- Ref low
- 10
- Ref high
- 30
- Critical range
- 1.5 not specified – 50 not specified
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 0–100 years
- Method
- Immunoturbidimetric assay
- CPT
- 82085
- SNOMED
- 313729009
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL CSF minimum
- Stability
- Refrigerated (2-8°C) for up to 72 hours; frozen (-20°C) for longer storage up to 2 weeks; avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
The CSF Albumin test measures the concentration of albumin, a protein produced by the liver, in the cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, protective liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. This test helps doctors understand how the blood-brain barrier, which normally prevents harmful substances from entering the brain, is functioning.
How is the sample collected?
The sample is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture, commonly known as a spinal tap. During this procedure, a healthcare provider inserts a thin needle into the lower back to withdraw a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid. The area is numbed with local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. After collection, the fluid is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
Why might I need this test?
Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms suggesting a neurological condition, such as severe headaches, fever, neck stiffness, confusion, or unexplained neurological symptoms. It is commonly used to help diagnose infections (like meningitis or encephalitis), inflammatory conditions, multiple sclerosis, or to assess damage to the blood-brain barrier.
What do the results mean?
Results are typically reported as a ratio comparing CSF albumin to blood albumin (QAlb), which helps account for individual variations. Elevated CSF albumin levels may indicate: disruption of the blood-brain barrier, infections such as meningitis or encephalitis, inflammatory conditions like multiple sclerosis, bleeding in the brain or spinal cord, or tumors affecting the central nervous system. Your doctor will interpret these results in context with your other test results and clinical symptoms.
Reference range
10-30 mg/dLnot specified
No special preparation or fasting required; collected via lumbar puncture
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
The CSF Albumin test is clinically significant because it provides direct information about the integrity of the blood-brain barrier. When this barrier is compromised, albumin and other proteins from the blood can leak into the cerebrospinal fluid. This makes the test valuable for diagnosing and monitoring various neurological and infectious diseases. It is particularly useful in distinguishing between different types of neurological disorders and assessing the severity of conditions affecting the central nervous system.
Frequently asked questions
Is the lumbar puncture procedure painful?
How long does it take to get results?
Are there any risks associated with this test?
Do I need to prepare anything before the test?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy