Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 2, 2026

Absolute Quantification of Aβ1-42 in CSF Using a Mass Spectrometric Reference Measurement Procedure
Published on: March 21, 2017
Adult CSF total protein: Higher upper reference limits should be considered worldwide. A web-based survey
Pierre R Bourque1, Ari Breiner1, David Moher2
1Division of Neurology, Department of Medicine, The Ottawa Hospital and University of Ottawa, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada; Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.
Background:
The cerebrospinal fluid total protein level (CSF-TP) is commonly used as a potential marker of infectious or immune disease of the CNS and PNS. Recent laboratory reference studies indicate that the antiquated single upper reference limit of 0.45 g/L commonly used by hospital laboratories and widely quoted in medical literature is a significant underestimation.
Methods:
We distributed worldwide a web-based survey comprised of three questions: 1. What is the CSF-TP upper limit used at your institution? 2. What is the source of this upper limit? 3. Do you adjust your upper limit according to age?
Results:
A total of 473 unique responses were obtained from North America (37.5%), South America (5.5%), Europe (29.4%), Africa (4%), Asia (21.6%) and Oceania (1.7%). A strong preponderance (86.8%) of institutions reported an upper limit of 0.45 g/L or less. Only 4% reported making age-partitioned adjustments.
Conclusions:
Worldwide, a strong majority of hospital laboratories presently use an underestimation of CSF-TP upper reference value, particularly for older adults. Recent well powered laboratory reference studies support higher values with age adjustment.
More Related Videos
07:43Methods for Image-based Surveys of Benthic Macroinvertebrates and Their Habitat Exemplified by the Drop Camera Survey for the Atlantic Sea Scallop
Published on: July 2, 2018
14:29The Hawaii Protocol for Scientific Monitoring of Coffee Berry Borer: a Model for Coffee Agroecosystems Worldwide
Published on: March 19, 2018
Related Concept Videos
Surveys
Introduction to Surveying, Plane Surveying and Geodetic Surveys
Limiting Reactant
Errors and Mistakes in Surveying
Types of Surveys
Survey Safety