Cerebrospinal Fluid Serine Concentration (Mass Concentration)
This test measures the amount of serine, an amino acid, in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF surrounds your brain and spinal cord and helps protect them. Serine levels can be checked to assess brain chemistry or rule out certain conditions.
["Serine in CSF may help diagnose or monitor neurological conditions."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 22644-9
- Short code
- Serine CSF-sCnc
- Synonyms
- Serine CSF-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL
- Stability
- Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Might This Test Be Ordered?
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like headaches, seizures, or neurological issues that suggest abnormalities in your brain’s fluid chemistry. It could also be part of a broader evaluation for conditions like meningitis, brain tumors, or metabolic disorders affecting amino acids.
What Does the Result Mean?
While reference ranges vary by lab, abnormal serine levels in CSF might indicate problems with amino acid metabolism, inflammation, or structural issues in the brain. Your provider will interpret results in the context of your symptoms and other tests.
How Is This Test Performed?
A small amount of CSF is collected through a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). A needle is inserted into your lower back to draw fluid into a sterile container. The sample is then sent to a lab for analysis.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Results?
Elevated serine levels could be linked to conditions like certain brain tumors, metabolic disorders, or infections affecting the central nervous system. Low levels might suggest rare genetic or enzymatic deficiencies. Always discuss results with your doctor.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Serine in CSF is less commonly monitored than other analytes (e.g., proteins, glucose) but can provide insight into amino acid balance in the brain. It’s often used alongside other tests to guide diagnosis in complex cases.
Short name
CSF Serine Level
Frequently asked questions
What does a high serine level in CSF mean?
Is this test painful?
How often can this test be repeated?
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