Pathology Handbook

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CSF Oligoclonal Bands

Alternative Names:

Oligoclonal IgG (CSF)
IgG/Albumin ratio CSF
Isoelectric Focussing CSF

Laboratory:

Clinical Biochemistry

Test Code:

CSIEF

Specimen Types:

Cerebrospinal Fluid

Container Types:

CSF Tube 1

Adults Volume or Mass:

0.5 mL

Collection & Request Instructions:

Serum sample must be collected at the same time for interpretation of results.

Retrospective testing with 7 days.

Transport Instructions between Sites and/or Laboratories:

Room Temperature

Additional Notes:

In several diseases of the central nervous system (multiple sclerosis and certain chronic infectious diseases such as sub–acute sclerosing pan–encephalitis and neurosyphilis) there are quantitative and qualitative alterations in immunoglobulins synthesised inside the blood–brain barrier. A relative increase in IgG in CSF, compared with serum, and the existence of oligoclonal bands (discrete bands representing IgG molecules of restricted heterogeneity) in CSF, which do not exist in serum at that time, provide strong evidence for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis.