Alpha-2 Globulin Fraction, Cerebrospinal Fluid — Electrophoresis, Mass Concentration
Measures the amount of alpha-2 globulin protein in cerebrospinal fluid using electrophoresis.
["This test measures a protein fraction in spinal fluid to help evaluate cerebrospinal fluid abnormalities."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 2867-0
- Short code
- Alpha2 Glob CSF Elph-mCnc
- Synonyms
- Alpha2 Glob CSF Elph-mCnc
- Category
- liver
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 44
- Ref high
- 147
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- electrophoresis
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 27550007
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL
- Stability
- Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test?
Alpha-2 globulin is a group of proteins that can be measured in cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This test uses electrophoresis to identify and measure the alpha-2 globulin fraction.
Why might I need this test?
It may be ordered as part of an evaluation of suspected infection, inflammation, bleeding, or another condition affecting the brain or spinal cord. It is generally interpreted with other cerebrospinal fluid tests and the person's symptoms.
How is the test performed?
A small sample of cerebrospinal fluid is usually collected by lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap. The laboratory separates the fluid's proteins by electrophoresis and estimates the concentration of the alpha-2 globulin fraction.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special food or medicine preparation is usually needed, but follow your clinician's instructions. Tell the healthcare team about any medicines, allergies, bleeding problems, or previous spinal procedures before a lumbar puncture.
Reference range
Adult: 44-147 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
An increased or decreased alpha-2 globulin fraction may occur with inflammation, infection, bleeding, or other neurologic conditions. The finding is not specific to one disease and must be interpreted with the rest of the cerebrospinal fluid results, symptoms, and other tests.
Short name
CSF Alpha-2 Globulin
Frequently asked questions
Is this the same as a serum protein electrophoresis test?
How is cerebrospinal fluid collected?
Does an abnormal result confirm a specific diagnosis?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy