Cerebrospinal fluid oligoclonal banding & IgG/Albumin

Also known as: Oligoclonal Bands; CSF Oligoclonal Bands

CSF protein is normally derived by filtration from the plasma across the blood brain barrier. However, in certain conditions immunoglobulin is synthesised within the central nervous system.

Oligoclonal IgG is a sensitive and specific marker for an intra-thecal humoral immune response. Such an immune response may be due to a wide range of pathologies including infection, inflammation and neoplasia.

In some cases, the oligoclonal IgG may have originated in the serum, therefore both serum and CSF should be examined in parallel.

There are two major clinical uses for looking for oligoclonal IgG:

1. The diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis where the presence of oligoclonal IgG within the CSF is one of the diagnostic criteria.
2. The investigation of patients with suspected central nervous system infections or inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system e.g. viral encephalitis, bacterial meningitis, neurosyphilis, sarcoid and lupus.

Specimen requirements

CSF and Paired Serum - 1ml

Cost

Price on application

Laboratory turnaround time

14 days

Laboratory method

• IgG and Albumin levels - Nephelometry
• Oligoclonal Banding - Isoelectric Focusing

Reference range/units

Oligoclonal bands Present or Absent

Associated tests

Not applicable

Sample stability

IgG and Albumin levels - Nephelometry

4 weeks at 2-8ºC

Oligoclonal Banding - Isoelectric Focusing

2 weeks at 2-8ºC

Shipping and storage

UK and Ireland

Ambient temperature and first class post. Hays DX users please enquire via email below.

International

Ambient temperature if courier will deliver within 72 hours otherwise consider refrigerated transport. Freezing is not a requirement.

Ensure delivery Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30.

Further information and contact details

For further information, email immunology.office@nhs.net