Skip to content

Cerebrospinal Fluid Deoxyadenosine Concentration

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

This test measures the amount of deoxyadenosine, a breakdown product of nucleic acids, in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It may be used to assess certain metabolic or genetic conditions affecting energy production in nerve cells.

Quick summary

["This test helps evaluate rare disorders linked to abnormal energy metabolism in the brain."]

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

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
75124-8
Short code
Deoxyadenosine CSF-sCnc
Synonyms
Deoxyadenosine CSF-sCnc
Category
chemistry
Sample
csf
Container
Sterile tube
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Specimen volume
1-2 mL
Stability
Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
Hemolysis max
200
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why This Test Might Be Ordered

Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like muscle weakness, fatigue, or neurological issues that could be linked to a metabolic disorder. It’s sometimes used in the evaluation of conditions such as mitochondrial disorders or certain genetic syndromes affecting adenosine metabolism.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is typically needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your lumbar spine to collect a small amount of CSF. This is usually done in a hospital or clinic setting under sterile conditions.

What the Test Results Mean

Results are compared to expected ranges for healthy individuals. Elevated levels might suggest an underlying metabolic or genetic disorder affecting energy production in nerve cells, while normal results help rule out these conditions.

Common Conditions Monitored

This test is often part of a broader evaluation for rare genetic disorders like mitochondrial disorders, adenosine deaminase deficiency, or other conditions causing abnormal energy metabolism in the nervous system.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CSF Deoxyadenosine

Frequently asked questions

What does a high or low result mean?
A high result may suggest a metabolic disorder affecting energy production in nerve cells, such as mitochondrial disorders or adenosine deaminase deficiency. A low result typically does not indicate a problem but should be interpreted in the context of your overall health and symptoms.
How is this test different from blood tests for deoxyadenosine?
This test specifically measures deoxyadenosine in cerebrospinal fluid, which reflects its levels in the brain and spinal cord. Blood tests for deoxyadenosine are less likely to capture brain-specific abnormalities and are not used for this particular CSF-focused evaluation.
Can lifestyle changes affect this test result?
Lifestyle factors like diet or exercise may indirectly influence overall energy metabolism, but they do not typically affect CSF deoxyadenosine levels directly. This test focuses on the specific biochemical environment of the central nervous system.
  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