Ordering Recommendation

Use to evaluate the protein composition of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Not useful to assess for multiple sclerosis; the preferred test to assess for multiple sclerosis is Oligoclonal Band Profile (0080440).

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

CSF.

Specimen Preparation

Transport 1 mL CSF. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions
Remarks
Stability

Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 month

Methodology

Quantitative Electrophoresis

Performed

Mon, Wed, Fri

Reported

1-5 days

Reference Interval

Total Protein: 15-45 mg/dL                       Alpha-2: 0.0-5.4 mg/dL
Pre-albumin: 0.0-3.1 mg/dL                       Beta: 0.0-8.1 mg/dL
Albumin: 8.4-34.2 mg/dL                          Gamma: 0.0-5.4 mg/dL
Alpha-1: 0.0-3.1 mg/dL

Interpretive Data



Compliance Category

FDA

Note

CSF electrophoresis may be useful in the diagnosis of tumors in the central nervous system or neurological illness. Oligoclonal Band Profile (ARUP test code 0080440) may be more appropriate for patients with suspected multiple sclerosis. Myelin Basic Protein (ARUP test code 0080515) offers little incremental value in the evaluation of multiple sclerosis. For the evaluation of blood brain barrier integrity, Immunoglobulin G, CSF Index (ARUP test code 0050676), included in the Oligoclonal Band Profile test, may be useful.

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

84157; 84166

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
0050015 Albumin, CSF 2861-3
0050040 Alpha-1, CSF 2864-7
0050045 Alpha-2, CSF 2867-0
0050115 Beta, CSF 2870-4
0050275 Gamma, CSF 2873-8
0050430 Pre-Albumin, CSF 2876-1
0050560 Total Protein, CSF 2880-3
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • Electrophoresis, Protein, Spinal Fluid
Protein Electrophoresis, CSF