ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Oligoclonal Bands in CSF and Serum : 0081135

Mnemonic: OLIGOB

Ordering Recommendation: Sensitive screening test for multiple sclerosis. Preferred test is Oligoclonal Band Profile (0080440).
Methodology: Qualitative Isoelectric Focusing/Electrophoresis
Performed: Mon, Wed, Fri
Reported: 2-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect: CSF AND serum separator tube. Serum specimen should be drawn within 48 hours of CSF collection.

Specimen Preparation: Allow serum to clot completely at room temperature. Separate serum from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transport 1.5 mL CSF (Min: 0.7 mL) AND transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube (Min: 0.5 mL).

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Remarks: Specimens must be assayed together for interpretation.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): Ambient: 8 hours; Refrigerated: 1 week; Frozen: 1 month
Reference Interval:
Effective August 6, 2012
 
Test Number Components Reference Interval
0081139 Oligoclonal Bands, CSF Negative
2005461 Oligoclonal Bands Number, CSF 0 - 1 Bands
 Interpretation By report

Note: This test reports only the number of oligoclonal bands.  A patient is considered positive for CSF oligoclonal bands if there are two or more bands in the CSF immunoglobulin region that are not present in the serum. In order to confirm local production of oligoclonal IgG in CSF, a matched serum sample is required. Oligoclonal bands present in CSF, but not in serum, indicate central nervous system production. Oligoclonal bands are performed using isoelectric focusing and immunofixation.
CPT Code(s): 83916
Cross References: Oligoclonal Bands Only (Oligoclonal Bands in CSF & Serum)