Platform
Company
Body Fluids
Review status
Currently under review
Pending specialist review and validation.
The CSF Threonine test measures the amount of threonine, an essential amino acid, in your cerebrospinal fluid. Cerebrospinal fluid surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord, so its composition can reflect what is happening within the central nervous system more directly than a blood test.
Threonine is involved in protein synthesis and several metabolic pathways. Measuring it in CSF can help your care team assess how amino acids are transported and used in the brain, and whether a metabolic or neurologic condition is affecting these processes.
Your clinician may order this test when there are unexplained neurologic symptoms, concerns for a metabolic disorder, or when patterns of amino acids in the brain need to be evaluated. CSF threonine is often reviewed alongside other CSF amino acids to look for characteristic patterns that point toward inborn errors of metabolism, problems with nutrient transport, or effects of illness.
Abnormal results can support further evaluation for genetic metabolic conditions, guide treatment decisions, or help monitor response to diet and therapies. Results can also be influenced by diet, medications, and systemic illness, so the test is interpreted together with your history, examination, and other laboratory studies.
Your result is interpreted in the context of the full CSF amino acid profile, your symptoms, and any related blood and urine tests. A value that is higher or lower than expected does not automatically mean disease; it can reflect sample handling issues, recent diet, or medications. Your clinician will consider whether there was blood contamination during the spinal tap and whether the pattern matches a known metabolic or neurologic process.
If results are unexpected, your care team may recommend confirming the finding, comparing with plasma amino acids, checking urine metabolites, or pursuing genetic testing. Do not change your diet or supplements without medical guidance. Discuss any medications and nutrition plans with your clinician so results can be interpreted accurately and follow-up can be tailored to you.
Reference intervals vary by laboratory, analyzer, methodology, population, and units. The ranges shown here are for education only. Always interpret your results against the reference interval printed on your own lab report.
Delays in processing, improper storage, or lack of prompt freezing can alter amino acid levels in CSF. Rapid processing, correct tube selection, and transport on ice help ensure accurate measurements.
A traumatic lumbar puncture or mixing with blood can artificially change CSF amino acid levels. Your clinician will often review the red blood cell count in CSF to judge whether contamination affected interpretation.
Recent high protein intake, fasting, ketogenic diets, or total parenteral nutrition can shift amino acid patterns. Sharing detailed dietary information helps the lab and clinician interpret results appropriately.
Drugs that affect nitrogen metabolism or mitochondrial function, such as valproate, and high dose amino acid or protein supplements can influence results. Provide a complete medication and supplement list.
CSF composition varies with age, especially in infants and young children. Age-appropriate reference intervals and clinical context are essential for accurate interpretation.
Infection, inflammation, liver dysfunction, renal impairment, or recent neurologic events can affect CSF amino acids. Let your clinician know about any recent illnesses or procedures.
References