Oligoclonal band test

OLIGOCLONAL BAND TEST

DESCRIPTION – CSF oligo-clonal banding is a test to look for inflammation related proteins in the cerebrospinal fluid. CSF is the clear fluid that flows in the space around the spinal cord and brain. Oligo-clonal bands are proteins called immunoglobins

METHODOLOGY – qualitative isoelectric focusing

TURN AROUND TIME – 1-3 days

SPECIMEN REQUIERED –

COLLECT – CSF or serum separator tube or plain red. Serum specimen should be drawn within 48 hours of CSF collection

SPECIMEN PREPARATION – allow the serum to clot completely at room temperature. Separate the serum from cells within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 ml of serum to transport tube

STORAGE/TRANSPORT TEMPERATURE – refrigerated

STABILITY – refrigerated: 2 weeks; frozen: 6 months

UNACCEPTABLE CONDITION – grossly hemolyzed specimens or lipemic specimens

SPECIAL INSTRUCTION – clinical history is mandatory