CSF protein

Alternative names, keywords

CSF glucose information available here.

Samples required

Minimum of 0.5 mL CSF in plain universal container.

Please DO NOT use Vacuette^® tube as the additives can make the CSF unsuitable for analysis.

4^th sample from lumbar puncture requested - please refer to the CSF collection page.

Blood contamination of CSF invalidates the protein result.

Test indications

Factors affecting test performance/ results

Haemolysis interferes, blood in CSF sample invalidates result.

In very rare cases, gammopathy, in particular type IgM (Waldenström’s macroglobulinemia), may cause unreliable results.

Results should always be assessed in conjunction with the patient’s medical history, clinical examination and other findings.

Reference range

Newborn: 400 - 1200 mg/L *
<1 month: 200 - 800 mg/L *
>1 month: 150 - 450 mg/L **

_{Sources:
*Soldin et al, Pediatric Reference intervals. 7th Edition (Meites et al, Pediatric clinical chemistry, 2nd ed. Washington DC: AACC Press, 1981:376)
**Roche Cobas^®Total Protein urine/CSF kit insert 2025-09, V11.0}

Turnaround time

Within 1 hour if urgent.

Enquiries

Biochemistry (Automation)