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HelpTest ID OLIG Oligoclonal Banding, Serum and Spinal Fluid
Useful For
Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis; especially useful in patients with equivocal clinical presentation and radiological findings
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLIGS | Serum Bands | No | Yes |
| OLIGC | CSF Bands | No | Yes |
Method Name
Isoelectric Focusing (IEF) with IgG Immunoblot Detection
Reporting Name
Oligoclonal BandingSpecimen Type
CSFSerum
Serum and spinal fluid are required. Spinal fluid must be obtained within 1 week of serum draw.
Specimen Type: Serum
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Label specimen as serum.
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Label specimen as spinal fluid.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Serum: 0.4 mL/Spinal Fluid: 0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Ambient | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 14 days | |
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Ambient | 14 days | |
| Frozen | 14 days |
Clinical Information
The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is dependent on clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings. The detection of increased intrathecal immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis is the basis for current diagnostic laboratory tests for MS. These tests include the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG index and CSF oligoclonal band (OCB) detection. Abnormal CSF IgG indexes and OCB patterns have been reported in 70% to 80% of MS patients. At least 1 of these tests has been reported to be positive in 90% of MS patients when both test are performed.
Newer methodologies for OCB detection have been reported to be more sensitive, with sensitivities of 90% to 95% in CSF from MS patients.
Increased intrathecal Ig synthesis may occur in other inflammatory CSF diseases and, therefore, this assay is not specific for MS (specificity = 95%).
Reference Values
CSF Olig Bands Interpretation: <4 bands
Cautions
These tests are not specific for multiple sclerosis.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday; 7 a.m.-12 p.m.
Report Available
2 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester
Test Classification
This test has been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
83916-Spinal fluid
83916-Serum