Myelin Basic Protein (MBP), Cerebrospinal Fluid

Also known as: MBP

Clinical Use

Use

Assist in diagnosing multiple sclerosis; determine whether an MS patient is having an active demyelinating episode; determine whether active demyelination is occurring in patients being treated by intrathecal chemotherapy or radiation therapy for neoplastic diseases involving the central nervous system; diagnose acute brain tissue destruction in children, including newborns; assess the efficacy of potential treatments for MS

Special Instructions

Not provided.

Limitations

The presence of myelin basic protein (MBP) in cerebrospinal fluid may not always correlate with multiple sclerosis activity as the disease is often episodic. MBP levels can be low to undetectable between episodes, and are usually undetectable during remission. There's a possibility of normal MBP levels in MS patients during attack-free phases, and false elevations can occur in other disorders. For initial diagnosis of MS, alternative tests such as CSF oligoclonal bands and IgG index, which are positive in a majority of MS cases, are often preferred. Furthermore, MBP levels might help in assessing radiation-induced myelopathy and monitoring the impact of immunosuppressive therapy.

Test Details

Methodology

Immunoassay (ELISA)

Biomarkers

Myelin Basic Protein

Protein

MBP Level

Concentration / Level • Quantitative (Continuous) (e.g., copies/mL, % expression)

LOINC Codes

Order Codes

2638-5 - MBP CSF-mCnc

Result Codes

2638-5 - MBP CSF-mCnc

Result Turnaround Time

4-7 days

Specimen

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Volume

1 mL

Minimum Volume

0.8 mL

Container

Plastic transport tube

Collection Instructions

Centrifuge CSF at 1500xg for 20 minutes and place the supernatant in a separate tube. Ensure that residual fibrin and cellular matter have been removed prior to transport.

Patient Preparation

Lumbar puncture should be performed within five days of onset of neurologic symptoms suggestive of multiple sclerosis.

Storage Instructions

Room temperature

Causes for Rejection

Lipemic, hemolyzed, or icteric specimen; CSF should be free from contamination with blood. Hemolysis is associated with falsely-elevated levels of MBP.