Pre-analytical factors influencing the stability of cerebrospinal fluid proteins

We recommend that CSF should be collected and centrifuged immediately after sampling and prior to storage at −80 °C without the addition of protease inhibitors. Freeze/thawing should be avoided because of the instability of tau, P-tau and transthyretin. Standardised CSF sampling, handling and storage for biomarker research are essential for accurately comparing the results obtained by different studies and institutions.