PROTEIN ELECTROPHORESIS, CSF

Test Code

LAB1485

Quest Code

749

CPT Codes
84157, 84166

Includes

Protein, Total, CSF
Protein Electrophoresis, CSF

Preferred Specimen

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

Minimum Volume

3.5 mL

Transport Container

Sterile screw-cap vial

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 4 days
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

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

Gross hemolysis

Methodology
Agarose Gel Electrophoresis • Spectrophotometry (SP)

Reference Range

Protein, Total, CSF

<1 month	15-100 mg/dL
1 month-60 years	15-45 mg/dL
>60 years	15-60 mg/dL
Prealbumin	1.3-6.9 %
Albumin	51.9-67.8 %
Alpha-1-Globulin	1.8-6.5 %
Alpha-2-Globulin	4.6-10.8 %
Beta Globulin	7.8-18.2 %
Gamma Globulin	4.8-17.6 %

Clinical Significance

To evaluate protein composition of cerebrospinal fluid and may be useful in neurological diseases or tumors in central nervous system. This assay is not recommended for the assessment of multiple sclerosis for which oligoclonal bands in CSF and serum should be ordered.

Performing Laboratory

Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-Chantilly VA

14225 Newbrook Drive

Chantilly, VA 20151-2228

Last Updated: December 19, 2024

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.