Protein, Total, CSF

Test Code

755

CPT Codes
84157

Preferred Specimen

1 mL CSF collected in a sterile, leak-proof container

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

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

Gross hemolysis

Methodology
Spectrophotometry (SP)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Daily; Report available: Next day

Reference Range

≤27 Days	15-100 mg/dL
28 Days-60 Years	15-45 mg/dL
>60 Years	15-60 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

The CSF normally contains less than 1% of the amount of protein present in plasma. Clinical disorders associated with increased CSF protein include traumatic spinal tap, increased blood-CSF permeability due to meningitis or hemorrhage, endocrine/metabolic disorders, drug toxicity, and CSF circulation disorders. Clinical disorders associated with decreased CSF total protein include CSF leakage from dural tear, increased intracranial pressure, removal of CSF, hyperthyroidism and leukemia. Young children (6 months to 2 years) also have decreased CSF total protein.

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.