Test Directory

Total Protein Body Fluid

Loinc

Expected Turnaround

24 hours

Information

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) protein measurements are used in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions such as meningitis, brain tumors and infections of the central nervous system.1

Collection Information

Samples for urinary/CSF protein should be collected before fluorescein is given or at least 24 hours later.

Methodology

Turbidimetric

Limitations

Levodopa, methyldopa and Na2‑cefoxitin cause artificially high total protein results and calcium dobesilate causes artificially low protein results at the therapeutic drug level.

Rejection Criteria

Hemolysis

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 1 day Refrigerated: 6 days Frozen: 12 months

Alias

Total Protein Body Fluid; Protein, Total BF

Container Type

Preferred Collection Container: Lumbar Puncture Tray (CSF Collection Kit), Alternative Collection Container: Sterile, Black Screw-Cap, Round Bottom Tube. Urine- Sterile container or tube.

Minimum Volume

1 ML

Age Range

0 - 999

Sex

Generic

Units of Measure

Reference Range

6.4 - 8.3

Panic Range