Aural or nasal fluid in sterile container (test tube, microtube, syringe). If submitting syringe, remove needle and cap the end of syringe.
Specimen Preparation
Indicate specimen source. Submit 2 mL of aural or nasal fluid in sterile container without preservative. (Min: 1 mL of aural or nasal fluid) If direct collection is not feasible, specimen may be collected using a plain cotton swab or gauze and submitted in a sterile container (plain test tube or collection container). Do not add any liquid to the swab or gauze. Do not collect specimen with a culture swab.
Unacceptable Conditions
Specimens grossly contaminated with blood. Specimens collected with additives (e.g., microbiology media, EDTA, etc.). CSF fluid.
Aural or nasal specimens may be contaminated with saliva, which can degrade transferrin protein. These specimens should be frozen immediately after collection and transported in frozen temperature.
Notes
Beta-2 transferrin is also found in aqueous humor. Rare allelic variants of transferrin may cause false positive results in the detection of CSF leakage. Simultaneous analysis of serum and CSF from the same individual is suggested to rule out these rare false-positive results.
Detection of a beta-2 transferrin band by immunofixation is indicative of the presence of cerebrospinal fluid in the specimen.
CPT Codes
86335
Collection
EPIC Code
LAB205
Performing Lab
ARUP Laboratories (test code: 0050047)
Collect
Aural or nasal fluid in sterile container (test tube, microtube, syringe). If submitting syringe, remove needle and cap the end of syringe.
Specimen Preparation
Indicate specimen source. Submit 2 mL of aural or nasal fluid in sterile container without preservative. (Min: 1 mL of aural or nasal fluid) If direct collection is not feasible, specimen may be collected using a plain cotton swab or gauze and submitted in a sterile container (plain test tube or collection container). Do not add any liquid to the swab or gauze. Do not collect specimen with a culture swab.
Unacceptable Conditions
Specimens grossly contaminated with blood. Specimens collected with additives (e.g., microbiology media, EDTA, etc.). CSF fluid.
Aural or nasal specimens may be contaminated with saliva, which can degrade transferrin protein. These specimens should be frozen immediately after collection and transported in frozen temperature.
Notes
Beta-2 transferrin is also found in aqueous humor. Rare allelic variants of transferrin may cause false positive results in the detection of CSF leakage. Simultaneous analysis of serum and CSF from the same individual is suggested to rule out these rare false-positive results.
Laboratories.