Total Protein in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
This test measures the total amount of protein found in your cerebrospinal fluid, which surrounds your brain and spinal cord. Proteins in CSF can help identify issues like inflammation, infections, or blood leaks.
["Protein levels in CSF may signal neurological conditions or bleeding into the brain’s protective fluid."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 74439-1
- Short code
- GABA free+total Pnl CSF
- Synonyms
- GABA free+total Pnl CSF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 44
- Ref high
- 147
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 84075
- SNOMED
- 27550007
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL
- Stability
- Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)?
Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a clear fluid that cushions your brain and spinal cord, providing nutrients and removing waste. It also acts as a barrier against infection. When proteins leak into CSF—such as from inflammation, bleeding, or certain diseases—your doctor may order this test to investigate.
Why Might You Need This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like headaches, neck stiffness, vision changes, or neurological problems. It can help diagnose conditions such as meningitis, brain tumors, multiple sclerosis, or bleeding disorders.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small sample of CSF is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). A doctor inserts a needle into your lower back to draw fluid into a test tube. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Does the Test Result Mean?
Normal protein levels in CSF are usually low, but elevated levels can indicate inflammation, infection, or blood in the fluid. Very high levels may suggest conditions like brain tumors, severe infections, or bleeding into the brain.
Reference range
Adult: 44-147 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Elevated CSF protein levels often point to underlying issues like meningitis, encephalitis, or demyelinating diseases. Blood in the CSF (from trauma or bleeding) can also raise protein counts. Low levels may suggest normal function, but persistent changes warrant further evaluation.
Short name
CSF Total Protein
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get results?
Can I eat or drink before the test?
Is the lumbar puncture procedure painful?
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