Cerebrospinal Fluid Protein by Nephelometry (Total Protein)
This test measures the total amount of protein in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the fluid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. Protein levels can help diagnose conditions affecting the central nervous system.
["Protein in CSF may signal inflammation, infection, or structural issues in the brain or spinal cord."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 99405-3
- Short code
- CD19FMC7
- Synonyms
- Cells.CD19+FMC7+ NFr Bld
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- whole-blood
- Container
- EDTA anticoagulant tube (lavender/purple top) for flow cytometry; sodium heparin (green top) acceptable alternative
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- Flow cytometry using fluorescently labeled monoclonal antibodies against CD19 and FMC7 surface markers, with identification and enumeration of positive cell populations in peripheral blood
- CPT
- 86356
- SNOMED
- 444491009
- Specimen volume
- 3-5 mL of whole blood; minimum 1 mL for pediatric or limited samples
- Stability
- Process within 24 hours of collection when stored at room temperature (18-25°C); refrigerate at 2-8°C if processing delayed beyond 24 hours but process within 48 hours. Do not freeze.
- Hemolysis max
- 0
- Lipemia max
- 0
- Icterus max
- 0
- TAT
- 4–48 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like headaches, neck stiffness, vision changes, or neurological issues. It’s also used to monitor conditions such as multiple sclerosis, meningitis, or brain tumors.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your lumbar spine to collect CSF. You may feel a brief pinch, but the procedure is quick and usually painless.
What the Results Mean
Elevated protein levels in CSF can indicate inflammation, infection, or blood leakage into the spinal fluid. Lower-than-normal levels might suggest certain genetic or metabolic disorders.
Common Conditions Affecting Results
High protein levels may be linked to autoimmune diseases, infections (like encephalitis), or tumors. Low levels could be seen in rare genetic conditions or certain metabolic disorders.
Reference range
Reference ranges are laboratory-specific and expressed as percentage of total lymphocytes or absolute count (cells/μL); consult laboratory reference valuesN/A
No special patient preparation required. Avoid recent blood transfusion when possible as it may affect lymphocyte subset analysis. Inform laboratory of recent immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or immunosuppressive medications.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test helps diagnose or monitor conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord, such as multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barré syndrome, or certain types of meningitis. It’s also used to assess the effectiveness of treatments.
Short name
CSF Protein Total
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal protein levels in CSF?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect CSF protein levels?
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