csf – protein test

Cerebrospinal fluid better known as CSF is a clear, colourless body fluid found around the brain and the spinal cord. CSF is formed out of the arterial blood by specialised ependymal cells in the choroid plexuses of the ventricles of the brain and is absorbed in the arachnoid granulations. The CSF protects and cushions the spinal cord and brain from injury, and at any time there is nearly 125 ml of CSF, while nearly 500 ml of CSF is produced daily. CSF also performs a crucial function in cerebral autoregulation of cerebral blood flow. 

The CSF is located in the subarachnoid space and the ventricular system around and inside of the brain and the spinal cord, and fills the ventricles, cisterns and sulci and the central canal of the spinal cord. 

CSF is derivative of the blood plasma and as such is similar to the blood plasma, except for the fact that CSF is almost protein – free and has some electrolyte levels as compared to a plasma.

The main function of CSF is as follows;

• CSF provide buoyancy to the brain
• CSF protects the brain and spinal cord from mechanical injuries
• Prevention of brain ischemia
• Homeostasis
• Clearing waste.

A CSF protein test measure the amount of protein in your CSF. The CSF protein test is also used to determine the amount of pressure in the spinal fluid. CSF levels higher or lower than CSF normal range is indicative of varied health problems. 

A CSF Protein Test is usually given to a person who shows the symptoms of the following central nervous system diseases;

• Multiple sclerosis
• Meningitis
• Vasculitis 

High levels of protein in the CSF are indicative of the following health conditions;

• Aseptic Meningitis
• Bacterial Meningitis
• Brain Abscess
• Brain Tumour
• Cerebral Haemorrhage
• Epilepsy 
• Neurosyphillis

Low levels of protein in the CSF indicates towards the possible leaking of the cerebrospinal fluid due to head or spine trauma.

The first step in CSK Leak treatment is 1 to 2 weeks bed rest and medications. Body strain of any type is completely prohibited. A lumbar drain could be placed in the lower back to decrease the pressure of the CSF fluid around the neck area, allowing the area to heal. Other surgical CSK Leak treatment involves placing a graft material to close the hole in the skull base.

The only thing to remember before undergoing the CSF Protein Test is informing the doctor about the prescription drugs like blood thinning medications you are taking along with the health history of the spinal problems or neurological conditions.

The CSF protein test involves the application of local anaesthetic on the lower spine area to numb it, after that a doctor would insert a hollow injection needle into the lower spine to draw out CSF sample. In the entire duration the person is expected to stay still and not make any movement as it could be risky. 

After the completion of the test you might need to take rest for an hour or two and doctors might also prescribe pain relievers to soothe the pain.

The CSF Protein Test involving lumbar puncture is usually considered to be a safe procedure when done by a trained professionals. Nevertheless, there are a few risk involved with the test like;

• Bleeding into the spine
• Allergic reaction to the anaesthetic
• Infection at the puncture site
• Damage to the spinal cord 
• Brain herniation
• Headache

The CSF Protein normal range is between 15 to 45 milligrams per decilitre (mg/dl) and the level of protein in CSF in Kids is lower than that of adults.

The CSF Protein Test cost is highly variable and is depended upon varied factors. However, the CSF Protein Test cost averages around the higher side but, its contribution far outweighs its high cost.

CSF Protein Test can cause some discomfort to the individual and also involves an hour or two of rest post completion of the test, as such it is better to take this test at home. Helping you in doing this is our fully certified and highly trusted at home healthcare services, wherein you can take the CSF protein test with the help of a highly experienced doctor and also get protein treatment at home.

So, just give us a call and let us help you in getting this test in the most hygienic and comfortable way possible. After the testing is done, we would also provide the CSF protein test results online, which you can easily download at your will.