Oligoclonal Banding, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC61604Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID OLIGSCPT Code 83916

Oligoclonal Banding, Serum

Clinical Use

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

Only orderable as part of a profile. For more information, see OLIG / Oligoclonal Banding, Serum and Spinal Fluid or MSP3 / Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Cascade, Serum and Spinal Fluid. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection, and label specimen as serum.

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.

Test Details

FDA Approved