Test Directory

Protein, total (CSF)

Containers - Adult

Sterile Universal 20ml	Volume Range 0.2 ml Additive per Container None

Containers - Child

Yellow Cap - Paediatric	Volume Range 0.07 ml Additive per Container Fluoride-oxalate
Sterile Universal 20ml	Volume Range 0.1 mL Additive per Container None

Reference ranges

Adult: 0.14 - 0.45 g/L

Birth - 4 weeks: 0.25 - 0.95 g/L

4 weeks - 3 months: 0.15 - 0.75 g/L

3 - 6 months: 0.1 - 0.45 g/L

6 months- 16 years: 0.1 - 0.35 g/L

> 16yrs: 0.14 - 0.45

Laboratory Site

RIE

51 Little France Crescent
Old Dalkeith Road
Edinburgh
EH16 4SA

Telephone (Biochemistry): 0131 242 6806

SJH

Howden Road West
Howden
Livingston
West Lothian
EH54 6PP

Telephone (Biochemistry): 01506 52 3160/1

WGH

Crewe Road South
Edinburgh
EH4 2XU

Telephone (Biochemistry): 0131 537 1910/1

Anticipated turnaround

1 day

General additional information

For investigation of CNS infection, please send four routine sterile containers with CSF, labelled in sequential order of collection. Send container 1 and 3 to microbiology for cell counts and culture and send container 2 to virology (for PCR) and container 4 to biochemistry (for protein and glucose +/- xanthochromia). Ensure a paired serum glucose is also sent to allow interpretation of the CSF glucose.