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Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Protein Profile (Mass Concentration)

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

This test measures the total protein content in your cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord). It helps assess conditions affecting the brain’s protective barrier or blood-brain barrier.

Quick summary

["Protein levels in CSF can signal inflammation, infection, or structural issues in the central nervous system."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
111928-8
Short code
Dx Head+Neck Endscpy
Synonyms
Dx Head+Neck Endscpy
Category
chemistry
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
22
Ref high
198
Critical range
— – 10000 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
endoscopy
CPT
82553
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 doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, or neurological problems. It’s also used to diagnose conditions such as meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors, especially when combined with other tests like lumbar puncture analysis.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your lower back to collect a small amount of CSF. The procedure is quick and usually painless, though you may feel a brief pinch. You’ll lie on your side for a few minutes afterward to prevent any potential headache.

What the Results Mean

Normal protein levels in CSF are generally lower than in blood. Elevated levels may indicate inflammation, infections, or other neurological diseases. Lower-than-normal levels could suggest certain genetic disorders or bleeding into the CSF.

Common Conditions Linked to Abnormal Results

High protein levels might be seen in conditions like multiple sclerosis, encephalitis, or meningitis. Low protein levels could be associated with conditions like congenital disorders or bleeding into the CSF space. Always discuss your results with your healthcare provider for personalized interpretation.

Reference range

Adult males: 22-198 U/L; Females: 22-198 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Inform provider of any chest pain or symptoms.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CSF Protein Levels

Frequently asked questions

What causes elevated CSF protein levels?
Elevated CSF protein levels can result from inflammation, infections (such as bacterial or viral meningitis), demyelinating diseases (like multiple sclerosis), or tumors affecting the brain or spinal cord. These conditions often cause the blood-brain barrier to become more permeable, allowing proteins to leak into the CSF.
What does it mean if my CSF protein levels are low?
Low CSF protein levels may occur in rare genetic disorders, certain types of bleeding into the CSF, or in cases where the body’s protein production is significantly reduced. Your doctor will consider your full clinical picture, including other test results and symptoms, to determine the cause.
How often should I get this test?
The frequency depends on your symptoms and diagnosis. If you have a chronic condition like multiple sclerosis, your doctor may order this test periodically to monitor disease progression or response to treatment. If you have an acute issue, it might be done once or twice to track changes.
  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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy