Protein Total Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Test is used to measure total protein in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF- a fluid found in the brain and spinal cord). This test helps to detect the diseases or conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord.
Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is a liquid found in the brain and spinal cord. It is clear, watery liquid that protects the brain and spinal cord. CSF is produced and secreted by the cells called choroid plexus in the ventricles (chambers) of the brain. Normally 500 ml of CSF are produced each day, circulated and then absorbed into the blood.
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a barrier that separates the brain from the bloodstream. This barrier helps in the exchange of substances between the blood and the CSF. Any disruption to this barrier may affect the normal level or type of constituents of CSF.
Variety of conditions and diseases can affect the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Conditions that increase pressure within the brain, bleeding, hydrocephalus (accumulation CSF in the brain), autoimmune diseases such as Guillain-Barre syndrome and multiple sclerosis, infections such as meningitis (infection in the tissue layers that surround the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), brain tumors, etc may affect normal level or type of constituents of CSF.
This test helps to determine abnormal protein levels in the CSF. It is also important to detect the amount of pressure in the spinal fluid.
This test is performed to diagnose the conditions or diseases that can cause abnormal protein levels in the CSF. Your doctor may ask to perform this test if he suspects any central nervous system disorders, such as autoimmune diseases like Guillain-Barre syndrome and multiple sclerosis, or brain tumors. This test is also recommended to diagnose any infections such as meningitis (infection in the tissue layers that surround the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and to look for signs of injury, bleeding in the brain and spinal fluid.
You may also be advised to perform this test if you experience any symptoms related to a condition or disease involving your central nervous system. However, based on the test results your doctor may ask to perform a few more additional tests to find the exact cause of the conditions or diseases that are suspected.
Inform your doctor if you are on any medications, have any allergies or underlying medical conditions before your Protein Total Csf. Your doctor will give specific instructions depending on your condition on how to prepare for Protein Total Csf.
Your healthcare provider may ask to empty your bladder and bowel before the test. You may have to lie still in a curled-up fetal position during the sample collection. After the sample collection just lie flat and still for a time period. Follow all the instructions given by your healthcare provider.
If the test results show high levels of proteins than the normal range in the fluid, it may indicate infections such as meningitis (infection in the tissue layers that surround the brain and spinal cord), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), bleeding in the brain and spinal fluid, CSF circulatory disorders, brain tumor, or other inflammatory diseases. Individuals with acute alcohol use disorder may also show high levels of protein in CSF. However, a few more additional tests may also be performed depending on the suspected cause and typical results to diagnose the exact cause of the condition.
If the test results show low levels of proteins than the normal range in the fluid, it may indicate increased pressure within the brain, leakage of CSF from dural tear (a thin covering over the spinal cord), hyperthyroidism (a thyroid condition due to the overproduction of thyroid hormones), or leukemia (blood cancer).
If you get abnormal test results, consult with your doctor immediately. Based on the test results, your doctor may advise you appropriate medical treatments or further diagnostic tests
Gender | Age groups | Value |
UNISEX | All age groups | < 45mg/dl |