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HelpTest Code OLIG Oligoclonal Banding, Serum and Spinal Fluid
Reporting Name
Oligoclonal BandingUseful For
Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis; especially useful in patients with equivocal clinical presentation and radiological findings
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| OLIGS | Serum Bands | No | Yes |
| OLIGC | CSF Bands | No | Yes |
Performing Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
Specimen Type
CSFSerum
Specimen Required
Both serum and spinal fluid are required. Spinal fluid must be obtained within 7 days of serum collection.
Specimen Type: Serum
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial within 2 hours of collection.
2. Label specimen as serum.
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Collection Instructions: Label specimen as spinal fluid.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Serum, Spinal Fluid: 0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Ambient | 14 days | ||
| Frozen | 14 days | ||
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days | |
| Ambient | 14 days | ||
| Frozen | 14 days |
Reference Values
CSF Oligoclonal Bands Interpretation: <2 bands
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
83916 x 2
Clinical Information
The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is dependent on clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings. The detection of increased intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis is the basis for current diagnostic laboratory tests for MS. These tests include the measurement of kappa free light chains in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and CSF oligoclonal band (OCB) detection. Abnormal CSF OCB patterns have been reported in 70% to 80% of MS patients.
Increased intrathecal Ig synthesis may occur in other inflammatory CSF diseases and, therefore this assay is not specific for MS.
Report Available
2 to 4 daysReject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | OK |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Isoelectric Focusing (IEF) with IgG Immunoblot Detection