Beta-2 transferrin

{{Short description|Protein}}

Beta-2 transferrin is a carbohydrate-free (desialated) isoform of transferrin, which is almost exclusively found in the cerebrospinal fluid. It is not found in blood, mucus or tears, thus making it a specific marker of cerebrospinal fluid, applied as an assay in cases where cerebrospinal fluid leakage is suspected.{{cite journal |vauthors=Chan D, Poon W, IP C, Chiu P, Goh K |title=How useful is glucose detection in diagnosing cerebrospinal fluid leak? The rational use of CT and Beta-2 transferrin assay in detection of cerebrospinal fluid fistula |journal=Asian Journal of Surgery |volume=27 |issue=1 |pages=39–42 |year=2004 |pmid=14719513 |doi=10.1016/S1015-9584(09)60242-6|doi-access=free }}

Beta-2 transferrin would also be positive in patients with perilymph fluid leaks, as it is also present in inner ear perilymph. Thus, beta-2 transferrin in otorrhea would be suggestive of either a CSF leak or a perilymph leak.{{cite journal | vauthors=Skedros DG, Cass SP, Hirsch BE, Kelly RH | title=Beta-2 transferrin assay in clinical management of cerebral spinal fluid and perilymphatic fluid leaks | journal=J Otolaryngol |date=Oct 1993 | volume=22 | issue=5 | pages=341–4 | pmid=8283502}}