Ceruloplasmin in Cerebrospinal Fluid
This test measures the copper-binding protein ceruloplasmin in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It may help assess copper metabolism or detect conditions affecting the central nervous system.
["Ceruloplasmin in CSF can provide clues about copper-related disorders or neurological involvement in metabolic diseases."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 53073-3
- Short code
- CER-CSF
- Synonyms
- Ceruloplasmin CSF-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile, screw-cap polypropylene collection tube for CSF analysis
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Nephelometry or Immunoturbidimetry
- CPT
- 82340
- SNOMED
- 116859006
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of cerebrospinal fluid
- Stability
- Stable for 24 hours at 2-8°C; for longer storage, freeze at -20°C or below. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like headaches, neurological issues, or signs of a metabolic disorder (such as Wilson’s disease or another copper storage disorder). It may also be used in research or specialized diagnostic scenarios where CSF copper metabolism is under investigation.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may receive a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) under sterile conditions to collect CSF. This procedure involves lying on your side, and you may feel mild pressure or discomfort during the needle insertion.
What the Test Results Mean
Ceruloplasmin in CSF is not a standard reference range test in routine clinical practice. Elevated levels might suggest certain metabolic or inflammatory conditions, while very low levels could indicate copper deficiency or specific neurological disorders. Always discuss results with your provider.
Common Conditions Linked to Ceruloplasmin in CSF
While not commonly used in routine diagnosis, ceruloplasmin in CSF can be relevant in cases of suspected copper-related neurological diseases, such as Wilson’s disease (though serum ceruloplasmin is more commonly checked). It may also be part of broader investigations for rare metabolic disorders affecting the brain.
Reference range
Ceruloplasmin in CSF is normally very low or undetectable. Established reference ranges vary by laboratory; consult the performing laboratory's reference range for interpretation.N/A
No special patient preparation is required. Inform the physician of any recent neurological procedures, infections, or blood contamination of the CSF specimen.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical significance of ceruloplasmin in CSF is limited but may play a role in specialized research or when evaluating complex neurological symptoms linked to copper metabolism disorders.
Short name
CSF Ceruloplasmin
Frequently asked questions
Will this test be part of a routine blood test?
What are the typical symptoms that might lead to this test?
How long does it take to get results from 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