Oligoclonal band
Clinical Background:
The principal purpose of the Oligoclonal band test is to detect intrathecal synthesis of IgG. >90% of patients with demyelating disease show oligoclonal IgG bands (OCB) in the CSF with no correspon...
The principal purpose of the Oligoclonal band test is to detect intrathecal synthesis of IgG. >90% of patients with demyelating disease show oligoclonal IgG bands (OCB) in the CSF with no corresponding bands in a paired serum. The oligoclonal bands are thus local to the central nervous system.
OCB testing is particularly useful in aiding the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Intrathecal OCB are also seen in encephalitis and meningitis caused by various infectious agents.
In addition to locally synthesised OCB, oligoclonal IgG may be found in the serum in a variety of systemic pathologies, such as tumours, systemic autoimmunity and chronic infections. However, in these cases the OCB pattern found in the serum is reflected by the bands in the CSF and is reported as a “matched” pattern of OCB and is not consistent with intrathecal synthesis and CNS specific pathologies
Test Details
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Discipline:
Immunology
Immunology
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Specimen Container Adult:
CSF: Serum-SST or Serum - Plain tube
Serum: Serum-SST
CSF: Serum-SST or Serum - Plain tube
Serum: Serum-SST
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Minimum Volume Adult:
CSF: 0.5mL
Serum: 1.0mL
CSF: 0.5mL
Serum: 1.0mL
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Special Requirement:
CSF must not be contaminated with blood
Both CSF and serum are required for the test. These samples should be taken on the same day and sent to the laboratory together
CSF must not be contaminated with blood
Both CSF and serum are required for the test. These samples should be taken on the same day and sent to the laboratory together
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Sample Stability:
1 month at -20oC
1 month at -20oC
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Freq Analysis:
Fortnightly
Fortnightly
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Add On Test:
Cannot be added on unless CSF and Serum samples are taken at the same time. Discussion with Proteins Laboratory is required for add ons.
Cannot be added on unless CSF and Serum samples are taken at the same time. Discussion with Proteins Laboratory is required for add ons.
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Quality Assurance:
UK NEQAS for Oligoclonal Banding
UK NEQAS for Oligoclonal Banding
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Interpretation:
See Clinical Background
See Clinical Background
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Reference Ranges:
N/A
N/A
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Routine Contact Name:
Proteins Lab
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Routine Telephone:
0191 282 4766
0191 282 4766
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Routine Email: