Protein and Glucose Levels in Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
This test measures protein concentration and glucose levels in your cerebrospinal fluid, which helps assess conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord.
["Understanding CSF protein and glucose can help diagnose neurological issues early."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 55394-1
- Short code
- Prot + Glucose Pnl CSF
- Synonyms
- Prot + Glucose Pnl CSF
- Category
- glucose
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 70
- Ref high
- 100
- Critical range
- 50 N/A – 400 N/A
- Fasting
- true
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82947
- SNOMED
- 260395008
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL
- Stability
- Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Is Done
Your healthcare provider may order this test to investigate symptoms like headaches, neurological deficits, infections, or inflammation in the central nervous system. It can also help monitor conditions such as meningitis, multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is typically needed. You may be asked to lie down on an examination table, and a needle will be inserted into your lumbar spine to collect a small amount of CSF. This procedure is usually painless but may cause mild discomfort.
What Happens During the Test
Once the CSF sample is collected, it is sent to a lab for analysis. The lab will measure protein levels and glucose concentration using standard laboratory techniques.
What the Results Mean
High protein levels in CSF might indicate inflammation, infection, or a tumor. Low glucose levels can suggest bacterial meningitis or other infections. Your results will be interpreted by a healthcare professional based on your symptoms and medical history.
Reference range
Fasting: 70-100 mg/dLN/A
Fasting for 8-12 hours required. Water is permitted. Avoid chewing gum and smoking before the test.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Abnormal findings in this test can help diagnose or guide the management of neurological disorders. For example, elevated protein and low glucose are often seen in bacterial meningitis, while elevated protein alone may suggest conditions like multiple sclerosis or subarachnoid hemorrhage. Your doctor will correlate these results with your clinical presentation to determine the next steps.
Short name
CSF Protein and Glucose Profile
Frequently asked questions
What causes abnormal protein levels in CSF?
How long does it take to get results from this test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy