Albumin and IgG - CSF Test

Albumin and IgG Test Overview

Cerebrospinal fluid albumin and IgG concentrations are evaluated through the Albumin and IgG Test for Cerebrospinal Fluid. Albumin begins its production inside liver cells, and IgG develops as an antibody in the immune system. 

The blood-brain barrier operates in healthy individuals, preventing albumin and IgG from entering the CSF. When CSF shows high protein levels, the blood-brain barrier may experience trouble.

Why Is the Albumin and IgG Test for Cerebrospinal Fluid Prescribed?

Doctors typically administer the Albumin and IgG test for cerebral fluid to evaluate central nervous system health conditions. The Albumin and IgG test serves as a powerful tool for multiple sclerosis diagnosis because elevated CSF IgG concentration and oligoclonal bands help detect the disease. 

This test enables the analysis of CNS infections, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, due to the fact they can harm the blood-mind barrier functionality and, therefore, increase the albumin and IgG content in the CSF. 

Components of an Albumin and IgG Test for Cerebrospinal Fluid

The Albumin and IgG Test for Cerebrospinal Fluid examines albumin protein levels and IgG levels, together with the albumin and IgG index measurements. An increase in both CSF albumin and IgG levels proves blood-brain barrier impairment together with CNS immune system activation. The Albumin and IgG index uses blood and CSF protein measurements to determine if proteins entered the CNS from their source or crossed from blood circulation.

Procedure and Prerequisites

The Albumin and IgG Test for Cerebrospinal Fluid requires a medical professional to perform a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap procedure. Before obtaining the test, patients need to maintain fasting habits and specific medication restrictions while medical professionals conduct historical examinations for safety checks. The patient has to take different positions during the procedure to widen the spaces between vertebrae. Initially, they are placed on their side and then switched to sitting upright with their back arched. 

A local anesthetic is injected for pain reduction in the back area while the doctor inserts a needle through the spinal canal to draw small samples of CSF from the patient. The medical staff sends specimen samples to testing facilities for examination. Learn more about Albumin and IgG Test for Cerebrospinal Fluid collection process from our experts at Aster Labs.