Where is beta-2-transferrin found?

cerebrospinal fluid
Beta-2-transferrin is a protein produced by neuraminidase activity in the brain which is uniquely found in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and perilymph. Its absence in other body secretions makes its detection invaluable in diagnosing a CSF leak.

What is tau transferrin?

Tau protein is sometimes used to describe an asialylated form of transferrin which is present in CSF but absent in serum. The detection of this protein in nasal fluids indicates that the fluid originated from the CNS.

What is a beta-2-transferrin test?

Beta-2-transferrin is a form of the protein transferrin that is present in cerebrolspinal fluid (CSF), but not usually found in blood, nasal secretions or other body fluids. It is used to distinguish CSF from other watery discharge from the nose or ear after a traumatic injury to the brain and or spine.

Is CSF leak an emergency?

If a CSF leak is suspected, you should see a physician as soon as possible. If symptoms of meningitis (high fever, light sensitivity, neck stiffness) are suspected, you should go to the emergency room.

Where is beta-2 transferrin located in the brain?

Clinical details: Beta-2 transferrin also known as Tau protein is the carbohydrate free isoform of transferrin. It is produced from transferrin by loss of sialic acid due to the presence of neuraminidase activity in the brain; therefore, beta-2 transferrin is located only within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), perilymph, and aqueous humor.

How to collect beta-2 transferrin / tau protein?

Collect fluid samples in a plain or glass tube, centrifuge the sample and aliquot (minimum volume required for analysis is 50 µL). If possible please provide us with a matched serum sample (50 µL). Samples from external laboratories can be sent to us by first class post.

What can beta 2 transferrin be used for?

What is being tested? Beta-2-transferrin is a form of the protein transferrin that is present in cerebrolspinal fluid (CSF), but not usually found in blood, nasal secretions or other body fluids. It is used to distinguish CSF from other watery discharge from the nose or ear after a traumatic injury to the brain and or spine.

How is a beta-2 transferrin band test done?

Aural or nasal fluid in sterile container. Transport 2 mL aural or nasal fluid in a tube without preservative. (Min: 1 mL aural or nasal fluid) Refrigerated. Detection of a beta-2 transferrin band by IFE is diagnostic for the presence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). This test is useful in the differential diagnosis for CSF otorrhea or CSF rhinorrhea.

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