Albumin, CSF

Test Code

LAB6352

Quest Code

224

Alias/See Also

ALBCS, ALBC

CPT Codes
82042

Preferred Specimen

1 mL CSF in a sterile screw cap container

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

CSF must be clear

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 5 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 42 days

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

Hemolysis • Xanthochomia/RBCs in CSF

Methodology
Nephelometry

Setup Schedule

A.M. Sets up 3 days a week.

Reference Range

8.0-42.0 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

Albumin, CSF is useful in evaluating the integrity of the blood brain barrier. Concentrations may be increased in patients with Central Nervous System (CNS) inflammation, trauma, or autoimmune disease.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92690-6130

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.