Beta-2 Transferrin/Tau Protein

Description: 
Beta-2-transferrin (Tau protein) in CSF detected by isoelectric focusing
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. Its absence from other bodily secretions makes its detection invaluable in confirming the *diagnosis of CSF rhinorrhea or otorrhea* (leakage of CSF into the nose or ear canal, usually as a result of head trauma, tumor, congenital malformation or surgery).
Sample type and Volume required: 
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).
Turnaround time: 
2 working days
Storage and transport: 
Samples from external laboratories can be sent to us by first class post.
Contacts:
Reference Biochemistry Department at King's College Hospital
020 3299 4107
King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
Immunochemistry Laboratory at King's College Hospital
020 3299 4130
King's College Hospital
Denmark Hill
London SE5 9RS
For clinical advice or interpretation of results, please contact the laboratory in the first instance.

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Last updated: 03/10/2022