Albumin, CSF

Test Codes

Order Reference Lab Miscellaneous Send Out: EPIC: LAB848, Beaker: Ref Lab Misc., Warde: CALB

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) in a sterile collection container. (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Transfer CSF to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 1.0 mL CSF, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Gross Hemolyzed.
• Contaminated.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Transfer CSF to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 1.0 mL CSF, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.4 mL) 

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): Undetermined
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Undetermined

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Warde Medical Laboratory, Ann Arbor, MI.

Performed

Varies. 4x per week.
Results available in 1-3 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Quantitative Nephelometry.

Clinical Utility

Albumin CSF levels are used in the management and follow-up of cerebrospinal fluid integrity and function.

CPT Codes

82042

Contacts

Last Updated

12/5/2025