Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Cascade, Serum and Spinal Fluid
Use
This test is useful for diagnosing multiple sclerosis (MS), particularly in patients with equivocal clinical or radiological findings. MS is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating disease characterized by visual, motor, and sensory disturbances. The detection of increased intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis is vital for the diagnosis, which includes kappa free light chain detection in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and CSF oligoclonal bands detection.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request with the specimen.
Limitations
Increased intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis may occur in other inflammatory central nervous system diseases, therefore these assays are not specific for multiple sclerosis alone. Clinical correlation is recommended, as these findings may also be detected in patients with other neurologic diseases including infectious, inflammatory, cerebrovascular, autoimmune, and paraneoplastic disorders.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 100757-4
- 48774-4
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Sterile vial
Collection Instructions
Submit CSF from collection vial no. 4.(preferred); vial no. 1, 3, 2 are also acceptable (in this order). Label specimen as spinal fluid.
Patient Preparation
Both serum and spinal fluid are required. Spinal fluid must be obtained within 1 week of serum collection.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 72 hours |
| Frozen | 14 days |