CSF Leakage Evaluation (Nasal/Ear Discharge) Test
Short Name: CSF Leakage Evaluation
Also known as: Beta-2 Transferrin Test, CSF Leak Test, BTP CSF/Serum Ratio Test, Cerebrospinal Fluid Leakage Test
CSF Leakage Evaluation (Nasal/Ear Discharge) Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹7,500. Uses Nephelometry on 2 mL (1 mL min.) Nasal / Ear discharge in a sterile screw capped container AND 2 mL (1 mL min.) serum in 1 SST. Ship refrigerated. DO NOT FREEZE. samples. Results in Reports are available the same day if the sample reaches the laboratory by 9 am on Monday or Thursday.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr Pasupathy Arumugam
Consultant Pathologist · Reg: 21521
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of this test is to detect beta-2 transferrin in nasal or ear discharge and compare it with serum levels. It helps confirm whether clear watery discharge from the nose or ear is cerebrospinal fluid, guiding urgent ENT or neurosurgical management and reducing the risk of meningitis and other intracranial infections.
- Test Code
- 3463
- Price
- ₹7,500
- Sample Type
- 2 mL (1 mL min.) Nasal / Ear discharge in a sterile screw capped container AND 2 mL (1 mL min.) serum in 1 SST. Ship refrigerated. DO NOT FREEZE.
- Result Time
- Reports are available the same day if the sample reaches the laboratory by 9 am on Monday or Thursday.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Nephelometry
Sample Collection
No special preparation or fasting is required.
Method: Nasal/ear discharge collection and venous blood sample
Laboratory Analysis
Collect 2 mL nasal or ear discharge in a sterile screw capped container and 2 mL venous blood in an SST tube. Ship refrigerated; do not freeze.
Report Delivery
Keep samples at room temperature for up to 2 hours or refrigerated for up to 1 week. Do not freeze.
Timeline: Reports are available the same day if the sample reaches the laboratory by 9 am on Monday or Thursday.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of this test is to detect beta-2 transferrin in nasal or ear discharge and compare it with serum levels. It helps confirm whether clear watery discharge from the nose or ear is cerebrospinal fluid, guiding urgent ENT or neurosurgical management and reducing the risk of meningitis and other intracranial infections.
How to Prepare
- Collect 2 mL nasal or ear discharge in a sterile screw capped container
- Collect 2 mL venous blood in an SST tube and separate serum
- Ship refrigerated at 2-8 degree Celsius; do not freeze
- Sample should reach the laboratory by 9 am Monday or Thursday for same-day reporting
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr Pasupathy Arumugam — MBBS, MD (Pathology) · Reg. No. 21521
"Beta-2 transferrin in nasal or ear discharge is highly specific for cerebrospinal fluid. A paired serum sample helps calculate the BTP CSF/serum ratio and reduces false-positive interpretation due to blood contamination."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Frozen sample
- Insufficient volume less than 1 mL for either nasal/ear discharge or serum
- Leaking or unsterile container
- Sample held at room temperature more than 2 hours
Understanding Your Results
Consistent with CSF leak
CSF leak unlikely, but intermittent leaks may be missed
Supports CSF origin of discharge
Correlate with CT/MRI and ENT/neurosurgical evaluation
Consult an ENT surgeon or neurosurgeon if you have clear watery nasal or ear discharge, headache, stiff neck, fever, visual changes, or recurrent meningitis, especially after head injury or skull base surgery.
Limitations
- ⚠Beta-2 transferrin can also be present in perilymph and aqueous humour, so clinical correlation is required
- ⚠A negative result may not completely exclude intermittent CSF leak
- ⚠False negative is possible if the sample is frozen or volume is inadequate
- ⚠The test should be interpreted alongside imaging and specialist evaluation
Risks & Considerations
- ●Mild discomfort or bruising at the blood collection site
- ●Transient irritation during nasal or ear discharge collection
- ●No major risks for most patients
Interfering Factors
- ●Freezing the specimen may degrade beta-2 transferrin and cause false-negative results
- ●Contamination of nasal/ear discharge with blood may affect interpretation
- ●Samples kept at room temperature beyond 2 hours may be unreliable
- ●Use of non-sterile or leaking containers
- ●Insufficient sample volume less than 1 mL
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | CSF Leakage Evaluation (Nasal/Ear Discharge) Test | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | CSF Leakage Evaluation (Nasal/Ear Discharge) Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CSF Leakage Evaluation?
Why is CSF leakage evaluation done?
What sample is required for this test?
Is fasting required for CSF leakage evaluation?
How much does the test cost?
How soon will I get the report?
What method is used for CSF leakage evaluation?
What does a positive beta-2 transferrin result mean?
What are the symptoms of CSF leakage?
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Reference Laboratory Services
We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.
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