Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL)
Use
This test is for the quantification of Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) in plasma to assist in the clinical assessment of neurological disorders. NfL is a nonspecific biomarker for axonal degeneration, with elevated levels associated with a range of neurological disorders including Alzheimer's Disease, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, Multiple Sclerosis, Frontotemporal Dementia, and Traumatic Brain Injury. Elevated NfL levels may indicate a neurodegenerative disease or traumatic brain injury and should be used alongside clinical signs and symptoms for accurate assessment.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
Elevated NfL is not a disease-specific factor; the results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical signs and symptoms. Additionally, higher levels can occur in patients with a history of stroke, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy, and diabetes, while lower levels may be found in individuals who are obese.
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLIA)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Lavender-top EDTA tube
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in tube(s) with EDTA activator. Invert tubes 8 times to ensure complete mixing. Centrifuge tubes at 1800 - 2200 x g for 10-15 minutes. Draw off plasma (top layer) into aliquot tubes with pipette, ensuring not to take RBCs (middle/bottom layers). Store aliquot tubes in refrigerator (2° C - 8° C) until shipping.
Patient Preparation
No patient preparation is required for sample collection.
Storage Instructions
Transport refrigerated or frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Grossly hemolytic, icteric, or lipemic samples; samples arriving at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days at room temperature (15⁰ C – 25⁰ C) |
| Refrigerated | 7 days refrigerated (2⁰ C - 8⁰ C) |
| Frozen | 1 week frozen (-20⁰ C); 6 months at ultra-low (-70⁰ C) |