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Test ID: Beta-2 transferrin
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Beta-2 transferrin
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Beta-2 transferrin
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Useful For
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The assessment of beta-2 transferrin in a fluid sample can aid the investigation of possible cerebrospinal fluid leakage.
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Method name and description
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Gel electrophoresis with immunofixation
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Clinical information
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Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is normally confined within the brain and spinal cord. A characteristic of CSF is that it predominantly contains the asialo form of transferrin. Sialylated forms of transferrin are present in other body fluids including blood.
CSF can leak from the brain or spinal cord as a result of physical trauma, or due to the effect of invasive tumours. Often, patients may detect this as colourless nasal or ear secretions.
The assessment of beta-2 transferrin helps determine whether the secretion is CSF or not.
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Aliases
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β2 transferrin
Asialotransferrin
0-sialotransferrin
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Specimen type / Specimen volume / Specimen container
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Specimen type:
nasal or ear secretions
Requires blood (serum) sample of the patient collected at the same time.
Specimen volume:
At least 30 μL for the nasal or ear secretions.
1.5 mL for serum.
Specimen container:
Clean and plain collection container for nasal or ear secretions.
Gel tube (yellow top) or red top tube for blood (serum).
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Collection instructions / Special Precautions / Timing of collection
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It is recommended to carry out analyses on fresh samples.
Requires Serum sample of the patient collected at the same time.
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Relevant clinical information to be provided
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Storage and transport instructions
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Samples can be transported at ambiant temperature as quickly as possible.
Samples may be stored for up to 7 days at 2-8°C.
Samples should be transported according to their storage conditions.
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Specimen Rejection Criteria
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Heavily contaminated secretion with blood that may cause interference.
Highly viscous sample.
Insufficient nasal or ear secretion volume.
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Biological reference intervals and clinical decision values
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Interpretative comments are provided on the report.
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Factors affecting test performance and result interpretation
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Fluid samples contaminated with blood may impact the results.
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Turnaround time / Days and times test performed / Specimen retention time
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Turnaround time: 5 working days.
Days and times test performed: Once a week.
Specimen retention time: 30 days.
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