Determining the presence of cerebrospinal fluid in body fluids The diagnosis of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) rhinorrhea or otorrhea (leakage of CSF into the nose or ear canal, usually as a result of head trauma, tumor, congenital malformation, or surgery) is often difficult to confirm. Traditional chemical analyses (eg, glucose, protein, specific gravity) are unreliable. Radiographic studies, especially those involving the injection of dyes or radiographic compounds, are costly and may introduce additional risks to the patient. Prompt diagnosis and localization facilitates appropriate decisions and decreases the risk of meningitis.
Beta-trace protein (prostaglandin D synthase) is one of the most abundant proteins in CSF and has a very low concentration in other body fluids. Elevated concentrations of beta-trace protein in body fluid or drainage are consistent with CSF leakage.
Specimen Required Specimen Type: Body fluid Collection Container/Tube: Preferred: Sterile container, syringe (with needle removed), test tube, or microtube Acceptable: Plain cotton swab, pledget, gauze, or facial tissue Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL Collection Instructions: 1. If submitting a syringe, remove the needle. Add cap to end of syringe. 2. If direct collection is not feasible, specimen may be collected using a plain cotton swab, pledget, gauze or facial tissue. a. For gauze or facial tissue: circle area on the gauze where specimen was collected. b. For swab, pledget, gauze or facial tissue: place in a small container (plain test tube or sterile container). 3. Do not collect specimen with a culture swab. 4. Do not add any additional liquid other than source to the swab or gauze. 5. Do not collect or send swab or gauze specimens in containers with additional liquids or additives.
Collection Instructions
Container/Tube: Sterile Container Specimen: 1mL Body fluid (0.5 mL) Indicate on the sample Transport Temperature: Refrigerated
Transport Instructions
Refrigerated
Specimen Stability
7 Days Room Temperature 14 days Refrigerated 30 days Frozen
