Ordering Recommendation
Aids in diagnosis of CSF leak.
Mnemonic
Methodology
Qualitative Immunofixation Electrophoresis
Performed
Sun-Sat
Reported
1-4 days
New York DOH Approval Status
Specimen Required
Aural or nasal fluid in sterile container. If there is enough secretion, the specimen is collected in a test tube. A specimen can also be obtained by specifically applied suction. Straining, increase in abdominal pressure, or performance of the Valsalva maneuver may result in an increase in drainage. Specimen kept refrigerated may be collected if there is slow or intermittent flow or fluid.
Transport 2 mL aural or nasal fluid in a tube without preservative. (Min: 1 mL aural or nasal fluid)
Refrigerated.
Ambient: 2 weeks; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 2 weeks
Reference Interval
None detected
Interpretive Data
Detection of a beta-2 transferrin band by IFE is diagnostic for the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This test is useful in the differential diagnosis for CSF otorrhea or CSF rhinorrhea. Beta-2 transferrin is not detected by this methodology in normal serum, tears, saliva, sputum, nasal, or aural fluid.
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by ARUP Laboratories. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration. This test was performed in a CLIA certified laboratory and is intended for clinical purposes.
Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)
Note
The beta-2 transferrin protein assay by IFE methodology is not a reliable method for detecting human perilymph due to the low sensitivity of the assay.
Hotline History
CPT Codes
86335
Components
Component Test Code* | Component Chart Name | LOINC |
---|---|---|
0050047 | Beta-2 Transferrin | 13876-8 |
Aliases
- Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage
- Transferrin, Spinal Fluid
- B2 Transferrin
- CSF Leakage Detection
- CSF Specific Transferrin
- CSF-Specific Transferrin
- Desialated Transferrin
- Tau CSF Protein
- Transferrin B2