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Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Protein by Nephelometry

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 16, 2026

This test measures the total protein levels in your cerebrospinal fluid, which is the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord. It helps assess conditions affecting the central nervous system.

Quick summary

["Protein levels in CSF can indicate inflammation, infection, or other neurological issues."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 16, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
6499-8
Short code
N men sg C Ag CSF Ql IA
Synonyms
N men sg C Ag CSF Ql IA
Category
chemistry
Sample
csf
Container
Sterile tube
Units
N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
ia
Specimen volume
1-2 mL
Stability
Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
Hemolysis max
200
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

Why Is This Test Done?

Your healthcare provider may order this test to diagnose or monitor conditions such as meningitis, multiple sclerosis, brain tumors, or other neurological disorders. Elevated protein levels might suggest inflammation or a breakdown of the blood-brain barrier.

What to Expect Before the Test

No special preparation is needed. You may have a small amount of fluid drained from your lower back (lumbar puncture) to collect the CSF sample. This procedure is usually done in a hospital or clinic setting.

What Does the Test Result Mean?

Results are interpreted based on your symptoms and medical history. Normal protein levels in CSF are generally lower than those in blood. Abnormally high protein levels could indicate conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome, encephalitis, or certain types of brain tumors.

Common Conditions Monitored or Diagnosed

This test is often used to diagnose or evaluate conditions such as multiple sclerosis, meningitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, and other neurological diseases that may affect the CSF composition.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

CSF Protein

Frequently asked questions

What causes abnormal CSF protein levels?
Abnormal CSF protein levels can be caused by conditions such as infections (e.g., meningitis), inflammatory diseases (e.g., multiple sclerosis), tumors, or other neurological disorders. Your healthcare provider will consider your symptoms and test results to determine the cause.
How is this test different from a blood protein test?
CSF protein tests specifically measure protein levels in the fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord, whereas blood protein tests measure proteins in your bloodstream. CSF tests are more focused on diagnosing neurological conditions.
Can I eat or drink before this test?
You can typically eat and drink normally before this test unless instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. No fasting is required for this procedure.
  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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy