Cerebrospinal Fluid Total Protein

Test Code

CSFTP

CPT Codes
84157

Preferred Specimen

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Transport Container

CSF collection container or other sterile container

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 4 hours; Refrigerated - 3 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolysis, Quantity Not Sufficient, Clotting, Gross Viscosity

Methodology
Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Limitations

Specimens should be collected prior to the intrathecal administration of contrast media. Significant positive bias can occur when CSF contains contrast media. Examples of contrast media are Iopamidol (Isovue-M), Iohexol (Omnipaque), and Metrazimide (Amipaque).

Reference Range

12 - 60 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins are those that remain in CSF following the ultrafiltration of plasma through the choroidal capillary wall. Some proteins that are unique to CSF are synthesized in the central nervous system. In general, diseases that interrupt the integrity of the capillary endothelial barrier lead to an increase in total CSF protein. CSF protein is generally increased in all types of meningitis, cerebral infarction, brain abscess, meningovascular syphilis, subarachnoid hemorrhage, some brain tumors, trauma to the brain, some cases of multiple sclerosis, encephalomyelitis, and degenerative neurologic diseases. A decreased CSF protein may occur in water intoxication, CSF leak (CSF rhinorrhea or otorrhea), and hyperthyroidism.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.