CSF orexin

Referred to Immunology Department, Churchill Hospital, Oxford OX3 7LE

Alternative names, keywords

CSF hypocretin

Samples required

Plain CSF - DO NOT put in Vacuette^® tube. A minimum of 2 mL CSF is required for this test.

Test indications

Investigation of sleep disorders: narcolepsy +/- cataplexy, primary hypersomnia.

Orexin/hypocretin is a CSF peptide that is severely reduced or absent in narcolepsy with cataplexy.

Reference range

> 200 pg/mL	- seen in healthy controls.
110 - 200 pg/mL	- can be seen in patients with other neurological diseases associated with sleep disturbances.
< 110 pg/mL	- mainly seen in patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy.

Turnaround time

Referral lab quotes turnaround time of 42 working days, however additional time must be allowed for packing, dispatch and delivery of sample, and return and processing of results.

Enquiries

Biochemistry (Referrals)

Test A-Z Index.