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Preferred Sample Type

TAU protein (Asialotransferrin) - query CSF leak
200 uL fluid. Requires 4 uL for analysis. (Couple of fresh drips preferable to a larger, older contaminated sample.)

Specimen Transport

Sample MUST be delivered by hand to laboratory and not sent in Sample Delivery System (SDS).

First Class Post on wet ice

Store at -20 ºC until ready to post

Sample Processing in Laboratory

no special requirements

Turnaround Time

1 week

Sample Stability

-20 ºC.

TAU protein (Asialotransferrin) - query CSF leak

General Information

Used to determine the orgin of watery ear or nose discharge, especially following a high risk event such as a head injury. Detection of asialotransferrin in a fluid indicates the presence of CSF, and therefore can be used to diagnose CSF rhinorrhoea or otorrhoea. CSF asialotransferrin is also known as Tau protein but is not related to the family of microtubule-associated Tau proteins found in neuronal tissue. It is an asialylated form of transferrin produced in the cerebral parenchyma by lysosomal hydrolysis of the serum-derived transferrin. Up to 30% of transferrin in lumbar CSF is in the asialylated form.

Patient Preparation

None

Notes

If patient has to store at home while collecting, it is best to freeze the sample.

Reference Range

Provided by reference laboratory

Specifications

  • EQA Scheme?: No
  • EQA Status:

    No scheme available