BETA-2 TRANSFERRIN: DETECTION OF SPINAL FLUID IN OTHER BODY FLUIDS
General Information
HLAB/HOL Code: BETAT
UPHSM LIS Test #: 028084
Schedule: Monday through Saturday
Testing Time: 1 Day
Testing Lab: Mayo Labs
UPHSM LIS Test #: 028084
Schedule: Monday through Saturday
Testing Time: 1 Day
Testing Lab: Mayo Labs
Specimen Info
Only 1 specimen type required, unless otherwise specified
Volume: 0.5 mL
Temperature: Frozen
Tube Type: body fluid
Collection Info:
1. 0.5 mL of body fluid (nasal, otic, etc.).
2. Direct collections may be done with a pipette, syringe, test tube, or microcollection device.
NOTE:
1. Although results may be obtainable on smaller specimens (perhaps as little as 0.05 mL, depending on the protein concentrations and
percentage of spinal fluid in the sample), reliable results are best obtained with an adequate sample volume.
2. If direct collection is not feasible, samples may be collected using cotton swabs.
A. The fluid must be expressed from the swabs and placed into a microcollection container.
B. Do not mail the swabs.
C. Specimens which are extremely small (<0.05 mL) may be eluted from the swab by adding 0.1 mL of normal saline.
D. Indicate specimen type, if the specimen has been diluted, and record the volume of saline added on request form.
E. The specimen will be handled and interpreted accordingly.
3. Send specimen frozen in plastic vial on dry ice.
Temperature: Frozen
Tube Type: body fluid
Collection Info:
1. 0.5 mL of body fluid (nasal, otic, etc.).
2. Direct collections may be done with a pipette, syringe, test tube, or microcollection device.
NOTE:
1. Although results may be obtainable on smaller specimens (perhaps as little as 0.05 mL, depending on the protein concentrations and
percentage of spinal fluid in the sample), reliable results are best obtained with an adequate sample volume.
2. If direct collection is not feasible, samples may be collected using cotton swabs.
A. The fluid must be expressed from the swabs and placed into a microcollection container.
B. Do not mail the swabs.
C. Specimens which are extremely small (<0.05 mL) may be eluted from the swab by adding 0.1 mL of normal saline.
D. Indicate specimen type, if the specimen has been diluted, and record the volume of saline added on request form.
E. The specimen will be handled and interpreted accordingly.
3. Send specimen frozen in plastic vial on dry ice.
Methods
Electrophoresis/Immunofixation
Clinical Utilities
Useful For:
Detection of spinal fluid in body fluids, such as ear or nasal fluid
Interpretation:
The CSF variant of transferrin is identified by its unique electrophoretic
migration. If beta-1 and beta-2 transferrin are detected in drainage
fluids, the specimen is presumed to be contaminated with CSF.
The presence of beta-2 transferrin band is detectable with as little
as 2.5% spinal fluid contamination of body fluids.
Cautions:
Beta-2 transferrin is also found in aqueous humor and in serum of
patients with rare metabolic glycoprotein disorders or genetic variants
of transferrin.
Beta-2 transferrin may be undetectable if the specimen is diluted by
saliva and not frozen after collection.
Detection of spinal fluid in body fluids, such as ear or nasal fluid
Interpretation:
The CSF variant of transferrin is identified by its unique electrophoretic
migration. If beta-1 and beta-2 transferrin are detected in drainage
fluids, the specimen is presumed to be contaminated with CSF.
The presence of beta-2 transferrin band is detectable with as little
as 2.5% spinal fluid contamination of body fluids.
Cautions:
Beta-2 transferrin is also found in aqueous humor and in serum of
patients with rare metabolic glycoprotein disorders or genetic variants
of transferrin.
Beta-2 transferrin may be undetectable if the specimen is diluted by
saliva and not frozen after collection.
CPT Codes
86335
* The CPT codes provided are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding
is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payer being billed.
Reference Range
Negative, no beta-2 transferrin (spinal fluid) detected
(reported as positive or negative)
(reported as positive or negative)
