Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Protein Content (Mass Concentration)
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 brain’s protective barrier.
["Protein levels in CSF can indicate issues like inflammation, bleeding, or infections in the central nervous system."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 26459-8
- Short code
- nRBC # CSF
- Synonyms
- nRBC # CSF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 4.2
- Ref high
- 5.9
- Critical range
- 2 N/A – 7 N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 85041
- SNOMED
- 900000000000003001
- 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 doctor may order this test if you have symptoms like severe headaches, neck stiffness, confusion, or neurological problems. It’s also used to diagnose conditions such as meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors.
What Does the Result Mean?
Higher-than-normal protein levels might suggest inflammation, infection, or bleeding in the brain. Lower levels could indicate certain genetic disorders or other neurological conditions. Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider based on your symptoms and medical history.
How Is the Test Performed?
A small amount of CSF is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). You’ll lie on your side, and a needle is gently inserted into your lower back to draw the fluid into a test tube.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Elevated protein levels can occur with infections (like meningitis), autoimmune diseases (such as multiple sclerosis), or bleeding in the brain. Low protein levels may be linked to rare genetic disorders or certain metabolic conditions.
Reference range
Adult males: 4.2-5.9; Females: 3.8-5.1 x 10^12/LN/A
No special preparation required. Stay well hydrated.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
CSF protein testing is critical for diagnosing conditions that affect the brain’s protective environment. For example, high protein levels often appear in inflammatory or infectious processes, while abnormal patterns may point to structural issues like tumors or demyelination diseases. Always discuss your results with your doctor to understand their specific relevance to your health.
Short name
CSF Protein
Frequently asked questions
What does a normal CSF protein level feel like?
How soon will I get my results?
Can I eat or drink before 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy