Immunoglobulin G and Albumin, CSF

Test Overview

Test Methodology

Nephelometry

Test Usage

The level of CSF albumin is used as a reference to indicate whether an increase of the IgG is due to local secretion or to increased permeability of the blood capillaries. CSF IgG is frequently elevated in multiple sclerosis; elevations occur also in CNS syphilis, postvaccinial encephalitis, subacute sclerosing leukoencephalitis, and other primary inflammatory states of the CNS.

Reference Range*

CSF IgG: 0-4.5 mg/dL; CSF Albumin: 5-34 mg/dL; CSF IgG/Albumin ratio: 0.02-0.20

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

Normal levels do not rule out multiple sclerosis.

Test Details

Days Test Performed

Tuesday, Friday

Analytic Time

8 hours

Soft Order Code

GALB

MiChart Code

IgG and Albumin, CSF

Synonyms

Albumin, CSF
Cerebrospinal Fluid IgG
CSF IgG and Albumin
CSF Immunoglobulin and Albumin
IGCSF
IgG and Alb, CSF
IgG and Albumin, CSF
Protein, CSF, IgG/A Ratio
Spinal Fluid Immunoglobulin and Albumin
IGG AND ALBUMIN - CSF
ALB CSF
ALCSF
ALBUMIN - CSF
IMMUNOGLOBULIN G - CSF

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Laboratory

Chemical Pathology

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Specimen Requirements

Offsite Collection Instructions

Collect spinal fluid and refrigerate up to 1 week.

Normal Volume

1.0 mL CSF

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL CSF

Additional Information

The CSF IgG/Albumin ratio is elevated in multiple sclerosis (MS), neurosyphilis, post vaccinial encephalitis, and subacute sclerosing leukoencephalitis. High normal values may indicate degenerative diseases such as cerebral or cerebellar atrophy, amyotrophic sclerosis or brain tumor. Normal levels can occur in incomplete obstruction of the spinal canal. Increase in albumin alone can be a result of a lesion in the choroid plexus or a blockage in the flow of CSF. Electrophoretic analysis of CSF protein may show oligoclonal `bands' in cases of MS but false positive patterns also occur (e.g., absence of absolute specificity). (See Oligoclonal Bands, CSF). Determination of myelin basic protein in CSF may be of use in diagnosis of MS or other active demyelinating processes. (See Myelin Basic Protein, CSF.)