Understanding Your Laboratory Test: What the Test Measures, How the Sample Is Collected, and Why Your Doctor May Recommend It
This test measures adenosine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to help evaluate certain neurological conditions.
{"Adenosine is a natural chemical that helps regulate brain activity","This test requires a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) to collect fluid","It may help diagnose or monitor specific neurological disorders","Results are interpreted by your healthcare provider in context","The test is typically ordered by neurologists for specialized evaluation"}
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 75136-2
- Short code
- ADEN-CSF
- Synonyms
- ADO CSF-sCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile polypropylene cryovial or sterile CSF collection tube
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0.01
- Ref high
- 0.5
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- ≥ 0 years
- Method
- High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with ultraviolet detection or mass spectrometry
- CPT
- 80378
- SNOMED
- 122598009
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL of CSF
- Stability
- Store at 2-8°C if analysis within 24 hours. For longer storage, freeze at -70°C. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What is this test and what does it look for in my body?
The CSF Adenosine test measures the amount of adenosine, a naturally occurring nucleoside, in your cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid is the clear, protective liquid that surrounds your brain and spinal cord. Adenosine is a chemical messenger that plays important roles in energy transfer and cellular signaling in the nervous system.
How is the sample for this test collected from my body?
This test requires a procedure called a lumbar puncture, commonly known as a spinal tap. During this procedure, a healthcare provider inserts a thin needle into the lower back to collect a small amount of cerebrospinal fluid. The area is numbed with local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. The procedure typically takes 15-30 minutes, and you may be asked to lie flat for a short time afterward to reduce the risk of headache.
Why might my doctor order this test for me?
Your healthcare provider may order this test to help evaluate certain neurological conditions. Adenosine levels in CSF can be affected by various brain and nervous system disorders. This test is not commonly performed and is typically ordered by neurologists or specialists when specific neurological conditions are suspected or need to be monitored.
How should I prepare before my sample is collected?
No special preparation is typically needed for this test. However, you should inform your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking, especially blood thinners, as these may affect the lumbar puncture procedure. Your provider will give you specific instructions before the procedure.
Reference range
Reference ranges for adenosine in CSF are not well-established. Consult laboratory-specific reference ranges. Typical reported values are in the range of 0.01-0.5 micromol/L.N/A
No specific patient preparation required. Standard lumbar puncture precautions apply. Inform patient of procedure risks including post-lumbar puncture headache.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
CSF adenosine levels may be evaluated in the context of various neurological conditions. Abnormal adenosine levels in the cerebrospinal fluid may be associated with certain brain disorders, neurodegenerative conditions, or other neurological diseases. However, this test is not routinely used for diagnosis and is typically part of a broader evaluation by specialists. Your healthcare provider will interpret the results together with your clinical symptoms, other test results, and medical history to determine their significance for your individual case.
Frequently asked questions
Is the lumbar puncture painful?
How long does it take to get results?
What do abnormal results mean?
Are there any risks from the lumbar puncture?
Sources
- 1
- 2
- 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