ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory
| 0050047: Beta-2 Transferrin |
| Test Mnemonic: B2TRNSF | |
|
Methodology: Immunofixation Electrophoresis
Performed: Mon-Fri Reported: 1-4 days |
| Specimen Required: | |
|
Collect: One 6 mL SST and 2 mL of aural or nasal fluid in sterile container.
Transport: 2 mL serum and 2 mL aural or nasal fluid in a tube without preservative at 2-8°C. (Min: 0.5 mL serum and 1 mL aural or nasal fluid) Pediatric Collection/Transport: 0.5 mL serum and 1 mL aural or nasal fluid at 2-8°C. Remarks: Separate serum from cells ASAP. Do not freeze. Unacceptable Conditions: Plasma. Stability: Ambient: 4 hours; Refrigerated: 3 days; 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 a consideration in the differential diagnosis for CSF otorrhea or CSF rhinorrhea. Beta-2 transferrin is not detected in normal serum, tears, saliva, sputum, nasal, aural fluid, or endolymph by this method. The performance characteristics of this test were determined by ARUP Laboratories, Inc. |
| 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 IFE Serum; 86335 IFE Fluid |