Carnosine in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
This test measures the level of carnosine, a naturally occurring peptide found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Carnosine plays a role in protecting nerve cells and may be studied in conditions affecting the brain and nervous system.
["Understanding your carnosine levels in CSF can help assess nerve health or certain neurological conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53817-3
- Short code
- CARNCSF
- Synonyms
- Carnosine CSF Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile CSF collection tubes; polypropylene cryovial preferred for storage
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS)
- CPT
- 82542
- SNOMED
- 104733008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of cerebrospinal fluid
- Stability
- Room temperature: 2 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 24 hours; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 72–168 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms or conditions linked to nerve damage, such as multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy, or other neurological disorders. It may also be part of a broader evaluation for metabolic or degenerative brain diseases.
What Does This Test Involve?
A small amount of cerebrospinal fluid is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The fluid is then analyzed in a lab to measure carnosine levels.
What Do Results Mean?
Results are not typically provided as a single reference range since carnosine levels can vary based on health, age, and specific conditions. Your doctor will interpret the results in relation to your overall health and symptoms.
What Are Possible Causes of Abnormal Results?
Abnormal carnosine levels in CSF might suggest nerve damage, metabolic disorders, or other neurological conditions. However, further testing and clinical correlation are needed to determine the exact cause.
Reference range
Reference values established by individual laboratory; typically reported as Detected or Not Detected in CSFN/A
No fasting required. Patient should be calm and relaxed prior to lumbar puncture procedure.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Carnosine CSF
Frequently asked questions
Why was this test ordered for me?
What does a low or high carnosine level mean?
How often should I expect this test?
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