Cerebrospinal Fluid Dopamine Level (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of dopamine, a chemical messenger (neurotransmitter), found in your cerebrospinal fluid (the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord). It may be used to evaluate certain neurological conditions.
["Dopamine in CSF helps assess brain chemistry and potential neurological disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 12012-1
- Short code
- Fet Cerebral a Ant RI DOP
- Synonyms
- Fet Cerebral a Ant RI DOP
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- us-doppler
- 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 like unexplained headaches, seizures, movement disorders, or signs of brain inflammation. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions affecting dopamine production or function in the brain.
What to Expect Before the Test
You’ll likely have a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) where a small needle is inserted into your lower back to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. This procedure is usually done in a hospital setting and may cause mild discomfort.
What the Test Results Mean
Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your symptoms, medical history, and other test findings. Abnormal levels may suggest conditions like Parkinson’s disease, certain brain tumors, or metabolic disorders.
Common Conditions Linked to Dopamine in CSF
Elevated or low dopamine levels in CSF can be associated with neurological disorders, such as Parkinson’s disease (low dopamine), certain brain tumors, or conditions affecting neurotransmitter balance.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Dopamine is a critical neurotransmitter in the brain, regulating movement, mood, and cognition. Abnormal CSF dopamine levels may indicate underlying neurological dysfunction that requires further medical evaluation, including additional imaging or specialized testing.
Short name
Dopamine in CSF
Frequently asked questions
What is cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
How is this test different from blood dopamine tests?
Can lifestyle changes affect dopamine levels in CSF?
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