beta-2 transferrin beta-2 transferrin 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. 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.