Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
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 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.
Specimen container adult:
CSF: Serum-SST or Serum – Plain tube
Serum: Serum-SST
Minimum volume adult:
CSF: 0.5mL
Serum: 1.0mL
Special requirements:
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
Sample stability:
1 month at -20oC
Freq analysis:
Fortnightly
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.
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS for Oligoclonal Banding
Interpretation:
See Clinical Background