ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Beta-2 Transferrin : 0050047

Mnemonic: B2TRNSF

Methodology: Qualitative Immunofixation Electrophoresis
Performed: Sun-Sat
Reported: 1-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube (SST) or plain red AND aural or nasal fluid in sterile container.

Specimen Preparation: Do not freeze. Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transport 2 mL serum AND 2 mL aural or nasal fluid in a tube without preservative. (Min: 0.5 mL serum and 1 mL aural or nasal fluid)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Plasma.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 4 hours; Refrigerated: 72 hours; Frozen: Unacceptable
Reference Interval:
None detected
Interpretive Data: Detection of a beta-2 transferrin band by IFE is diagnostic for the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This test is useful in the differential diagnosis for CSF otorrhea or CSF rhinorrhea. Beta-2 transferrin is not detected by this methodology in normal serum, tears, saliva, sputum, nasal, or aural fluid.

The performance characteristics of this test were determined by ARUP Laboratories, Inc.

See Compliance Statement B: www.aruplab.com/CS
Note: The beta-2 transferrin protein assay by IFE methodology is not a reliable method for detecting human perilymph due to the low sensitivity of the assay.
CPT Code(s): 86334; 86335
Cross References: CSF Leakage Detection (Beta-2 Transferrin), CSF-Specific Transferrin (Beta-2 Transferrin), Desialated Transferrin (Beta-2 Transferrin), Tau CSF Protein (Beta-2 Transferrin), Transferrin, Beta-2 (Beta-2 Transferrin)