Oligoclonal Banding, Serum
Use
This test is useful for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis, especially in patients with equivocal clinical presentation and radiological findings. It helps determine the number of serum oligoclonal bands to calculate the number of cerebrospinal fluid-specific bands present. The detection of increased intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis is foundational for current diagnostic laboratory tests for MS. Abnormal CSF oligoclonal band patterns have been observed in 70% to 80% of MS patients, making the test critical for MS diagnosis alongside clinical and radiological findings.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
This assay is not specific for multiple sclerosis as increased intrathecal Ig synthesis may occur in other inflammatory CSF diseases. Therefore, the result should be interpreted in the context of clinical and other laboratory findings. The presence of 2 or more unique CSF oligoclonal bands is an indicator but not exclusive to MS as it can be found in other neurological conditions including infectious, inflammatory, cerebrovascular, and paraneoplastic disorders. Clinical correlation is recommended to avoid diagnostic confusion.
FDA ApprovedNew York Approved
Methodology
Other (Isoelectric Focusing (IEF) with IgG Immunoblot Detection)
Biomarkers
IgG
Protein
LOINC Codes
- 100755-8 - Oligoclonal Bands SerPl IEF
- 100755-8 - Oligoclonal Bands SerPl IEF
Result Turnaround Time
4-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial. Label specimen as serum.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 14 days |
| Refrigerated | 14 days |
| Frozen | 14 days |