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Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Total Protein

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total amount of protein found in your cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds your brain and spinal cord. Protein levels can help identify issues like inflammation, infections, or blood leaks in the central nervous system.

Quick summary

["Protein in your spinal fluid may signal nerve or brain problems."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
106848-5
Short code
CT Spine
Synonyms
CT Spine
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ct
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Is Done

Your doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, or neurological problems. It’s also used to check for conditions such as meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or tumors affecting the brain or spinal cord.

What to Expect Before the Test

You’ll likely have a small needle inserted into your back to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This is usually done in a hospital or clinic setting and may cause mild discomfort but shouldn’t be painful.

What the Results Mean

Higher-than-normal protein levels might suggest inflammation, infections, or blood in the spinal fluid. Lower-than-normal levels could indicate certain genetic disorders or other rare conditions. Your doctor will interpret results in relation to your symptoms and medical history.

Common Conditions Linked to Abnormal Results

Elevated protein levels can be seen in conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome, multiple sclerosis, or certain types of brain tumors. Low protein levels are less common but may occur with specific genetic or metabolic disorders.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CSF Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated CSF protein levels?
Elevated CSF protein levels can result from inflammation, infections (like meningitis), blood leaks into the spinal fluid, or certain neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis or tumors.
How is CSF protein tested?
The test involves collecting a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The sample is then analyzed in a lab to measure the total protein content.
Can diet or medications affect this test?
Diet or over-the-counter medications are unlikely to affect CSF protein levels. However, certain medications (like steroids) or conditions (such as severe infections) may influence results, so always inform your doctor about all medications you’re taking.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

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.

Medical Disclaimer

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