Ethanolamine in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
This test measures the amount of ethanolamine, a naturally occurring substance, in your cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord). It may be checked to evaluate conditions affecting brain chemistry or fluid balance.
["Ethanolamine in CSF helps assess potential metabolic or neurological disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26593-4
- Short code
- Ethanolamine CSF-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Ethanolamine 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 Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if they suspect a metabolic disorder, such as inborn errors of metabolism that involve fatty acid or amino acid metabolism. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions affecting brain chemistry, such as certain neurological or genetic disorders.
What Does the Test Involve?
A small amount of cerebrospinal fluid is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The fluid is then sent to the lab for testing. This test is typically done under sterile conditions to ensure accuracy and safety.
What Does the Test Result Mean?
The result indicates the concentration of ethanolamine in your CSF. While reference ranges can vary by lab, abnormal levels may suggest underlying metabolic or neurological conditions that require further medical evaluation.
How Is This Test Performed?
The test uses a specialized laboratory method to measure ethanolamine concentration in your CSF sample. The method may involve techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or immunoassay, depending on the lab’s protocol. This ensures precise and reliable results.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance: Ethanolamine in CSF is rarely the sole focus of testing but may be part of a comprehensive evaluation for metabolic disorders, genetic conditions, or neurological symptoms. Elevated or low levels could indicate imbalances in brain chemistry or metabolic pathways that need further investigation by a specialist.
Short name
Ethanolamine CSF
Frequently asked questions
What are the common reasons for this test?
Is there any preparation needed before the test?
Are there any risks or side effects associated with 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