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PLEASE NOTE: Recent changes have been made to this Test


 Recent changes for Kappa Index

Recent changes for Kappa Index
DateFieldChanged FromChanged To
29th October 2025
Collection & Request Instructions

** This test is available from 8th October 2025 **

For electronic orders, use "CSF Kappa Index Careset". 

Note that the careset requires CSF and serum samples.

 

For paper requests, please order "Kappa Index - CSF and serum"

Kappa Index

Alternative Names:CSF Kappa FLC
CSF Kappa Free Light Chains
Laboratory:Clinical Biochemistry
Test Code:See Registration Instructions
Specimen Types:Cerebrospinal Fluid
Blood
Container Types:
CSF Tube 2
SST
Adults Volume or Mass:1 mL
Minimum/Paediatric Volume or Mass:1 mL
Collection & Request Instructions:

** This test is available from 8th October 2025 **

For electronic orders, use "CSF Kappa Index Careset". 

Note that the careset requires CSF and serum samples.

 

For paper requests, please order "Kappa Index - CSF and serum"

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:On Ice
Assay Frequency:Weekly
Billing Information:

There is no MBS rebate for this test. The cost of the test is $60

Additional Notes:

CSF Kappa Index is an indicator of intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis and can substitute for CSF "oligoclonal bands" in supporting the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis using the 2024 revised McDonald criteria.

A Kappa Index result >/= 6.1 is consistent with intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis

Ref: X Montalban et al. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: 2024 revisions of the McDonald criteria. Lancet Neurol 2025; 24: 850–65

NOTE: In samples where a Kappa Index cannot be calculated, an "oligoclonal bands" test may be reflexed.