A new biochemical assay in the diagnostic management of nasal cerebrospinal fluid leakage.

A new method for the detection of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) leakage is described, and is a refinement of the method originally reported by Oberascher and Arrer in 1986. Immuno-electrophoretic measurements are performed in a two-buffer system, making the test easier to do and providing qualitatively better images. Genetic variants of transferrin (which has a general population incidence of 2-4%) can be discriminated from false-positive test results in affected families. The test described is recommended as the method of choice for initial screening of suspected CSF leakage.