Cerebrospinal Fluid Glucose

Test Code

CSFGLU

CPT Codes
82945

Preferred Specimen

Cerebrospinal Fluid, CSF

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

This test is for Glucose measurement on CSF. For Glucose measurement in a CSF Panel, order CSFP. For Glucose measurement on Plasma or Serum, order GLU. (There are also several other orders for Plasma/Serum Glucose, including post-prandial, Glucose Tolerance, and prenatal/2 hour.) For Glucose measurement on Body Fluids other than CSF, order MISGLU. For Glucose measurement on Urine, order URGLU.

Transport Container

Cerebrospinal Fluid collection container or other sterile container

Transport Temperature

Room Temperature or Refrigeration

Specimen Stability

Room Temperature - 1 day; Refrigerated - 7 days

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

Quantity Not Sufficient

Methodology
Colorimetric

Setup Schedule

Daily upon receipt

Report Available

Upon completion of analysis

Reference Range

Birth - 2 Years:        26 - 39 mg/dL
2 - 16 Years:           39 - 65 mg/dL
16 Years - Adult:     46 - 72 mg/dL

Clinical Significance

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is secreted by the choroid plexuses, around the cerebral vessels, and along the walls of the ventricles of the brain, filling the ventricles and cisternae and bathing the spinal cord. CSF is reabsorbed into the blood through the arachnoid villi. CSF turnover is rapid, exchanging about 4 times per day.

CSF glucose levels may be decreased due to consumption by microorganisms, impaired glucose transport, or increased glycolysis. Elevated CSF glucose levels are consistent with hyperglycemia.

Spinal fluid glucose concentration should be approximately 60% of the plasma/serum concentration and should be compared with concurrently measured plasma/serum glucose for adequate clinical interpretation.

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) glucose levels may be decreased in any central nervous system infection, although levels are typically normal in viral meningitis, low in bacterial meningitis, and may be normal or low in fungal meningitis.

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.