Protein, Total and Protein Electrophoresis, CSF

Test Code

PROELPC

Quest Code

749

Alias/See Also

PROELPC
CSF Protein Electrophoresis
Protein Electrophoresis, CSF

CPT Codes
84157, 84166

Includes

CSF Ig
Electrophoresis, Protein & Total Protein
CSF IgG
Immuno-fixation, CSF

Preferred Specimen

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

Minimum Volume

3.5 mL

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 28 days

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

Gross hemolysis

Methodology
Agarose Gel Electrophoresis • Spectrophotometry (SP)

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon-Sat; Report available: 3-5 days

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
14225 Newbrook Dr
Chantilly, VA 20153

Last Updated: September 3, 2019

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.