Preferred Specimen(s) 1.0 mL CSF
Transport Container Plastic screw-cap container
Transport Temperature Refrigerated 72 hrs
Reject Criteria Hemolysed specimen
Methodology Spectrophotometry, Colorimetric
Clinical Significance CSF Total Protein is derived from ultrafiltration of plasma through the meninges and choroid plexus and intrathecal production. CSF Total Protein is useful in identifying increased permeability of the blood-brain barrier or increased intrathecal production. Elevated CSF Total Protein is often consistent with central nervous system disease or trauma.