There is a distance band anodal to albumin in CSF electrophoresis. This band is not distinctly seen in the serum protein electrophoresis of the same patient. what must be done?

There is a distance band anodal to albumin in CSF electrophoresis. This band is not distinctly seen in the serum protein electrophoresis of the same patient. what must be done?

• A. Report the result as is
• B. Repeat the test to confirm
• C. Compare with serum electrophoresis to confirm
• D. Ignore the band as artifact

Answer: (A)

In CSF electrophoresis, a discrete band that runs ahead of (anodal to) albumin is typically transthyretin (prealbumin), a normal CSF protein. Its presence reflects normal CSF protein composition and transport across the blood–CSF barrier. Since this band is not distinctly seen in serum and is a recognized normal finding in CSF, it should simply be reported as part of the normal CSF pattern rather than interpreted as a sign of pathology or an artifact. No repeat testing or cross-comparison with serum is required for this band; it’s expected and clinically non-omitting.

In CSF electrophoresis, a discrete band that runs ahead of (anodal to) albumin is typically transthyretin (prealbumin), a normal CSF protein. Its presence reflects normal CSF protein composition and transport across the blood–CSF barrier. Since this band is not distinctly seen in serum and is a recognized normal finding in CSF, it should simply be reported as part of the normal CSF pattern rather than interpreted as a sign of pathology or an artifact. No repeat testing or cross-comparison with serum is required for this band; it’s expected and clinically non-omitting.