Clinical experience with beta-trace protein as a marker for cerebrospinal fluid

beta -Trace protein is an immunological marker for the detection of cerebro spinal fluid traces. The aim of the study was to evaluate the predictive va lue of the beta -trace protein test. We investigated 145 specimens for cere brospinal fluid using beta -trace protein. All case notes were retrospectiv ely reviewed and tabulated for indication and procedure with focus on outco me. The specimens were analyzed by immunoelectrophoresis. beta -Trace prote in was detected in 62 specimens and was absent in 83. In correlation with t he clinical course, the clinical findings, the results of high-resolution c omputed tomography of the paranasal sinuses or petrous bone, computed tomog raphic cisternography, magnetic resonance imaging, indium 111-pentetic acid radionuclide cisternography, intraoperative findings, and visualization us ing sodium-fluorescein, there were no false-positive results. In 6 cases, a false-negative result occurred. The overall accuracy was 95.68%. The beta -trace test has a specificity of near 100% and a sensitivity of 91.17%. Ana lysis of beta -trace protein is a valuable test and has some advantages in comparison with the beta2-transferrin assay.