Beta-2 transferrin

Beta-2 transferrin is a carbohydrate-free (desialated) isoform of transferrin, which is almost only 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.

References

• Chan D, Poon W, IP C, Chiu P, goh K (2004). "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". Asian journal of surgery / Asian Surgical Association 27 (1): 39-42. PMID 14719513.