CSF albumin

CSF Albumin is a protein that is found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is often measured to help diagnose a variety of medical conditions, including multiple sclerosis and meningitis.

Overview

Albumin is the most abundant protein in the blood plasma, and it is also present in the CSF. The concentration of albumin in the CSF is normally much lower than in the blood. However, in certain medical conditions, the level of CSF albumin can increase. This is often a sign of inflammation or damage to the blood-brain barrier.

Role in Diagnosis

The measurement of CSF albumin is often used in the diagnosis of neurological disorders. For example, an elevated level of CSF albumin can be a sign of multiple sclerosis, a disease that causes inflammation and damage to the nerves in the brain and spinal cord. Similarly, a high level of CSF albumin can also indicate meningitis, an infection of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord.

In addition to these conditions, the CSF albumin level can also be used to help diagnose other diseases, such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, neurosyphilis, and lupus.

Measurement

The level of CSF albumin is usually measured through a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. This is a procedure in which a needle is inserted into the lower part of the spine to collect a sample of CSF. The sample is then sent to a laboratory, where the level of albumin is measured.

See Also

• Cerebrospinal fluid
• Multiple sclerosis
• Meningitis
• Lumbar puncture

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