Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Total Protein by Electrophoresis
This test measures the total protein levels in your cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord) using electrophoresis, a method that separates proteins based on size and charge. It helps identify abnormalities in protein composition that may indicate conditions like infections, inflammation, or neurological disorders.
["This test can help diagnose or monitor conditions affecting brain and spinal fluid protein balance."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 37294-6
- Short code
- Deprecated Head CT +3DR
- Synonyms
- Deprecated Head CT +3DR
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 80
- Ref high
- 200
- Critical range
- 20 N/A – 400 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- ct
- CPT
- 84436
- SNOMED
- 302346007
- 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 Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms such as headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, or neurological issues that suggest an abnormality in your CSF. It’s often used alongside other tests to investigate conditions like meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors.
How the Test Works
A small amount of CSF is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The fluid is then analyzed using electrophoresis, which separates proteins into different bands. The total protein amount is determined by measuring the combined weight of these proteins.
Common Conditions Monitored
This test can help detect elevated protein levels that may signal infections (e.g., bacterial or viral meningitis), inflammatory diseases (e.g., Guillain-Barré syndrome), or conditions like multiple sclerosis or brain tumors where abnormal protein patterns are present.
Sample Collection and Preparation
A sterile needle is inserted into your lower back to collect CSF. The fluid is immediately sent to the lab for analysis. No special preparation is needed, but you may be asked to lie still for a short time afterward to prevent leakage.
Reference range
Adult: 80-200 ng/dLN/A
Take your thyroid medication after the blood draw if applicable. No fasting required.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated CSF protein levels can indicate conditions affecting the blood-brain barrier or protein synthesis in the central nervous system. For example, high protein levels may suggest chronic inflammation, demyelination diseases, or certain infections. Low protein levels might raise concerns about severe infections or other rare conditions, though this is less common. Always discuss results with your healthcare provider for proper interpretation.
Short name
CSF Protein Profile
Frequently asked questions
What does a normal result mean?
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink before 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy