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Lithium

Protein Electrophoresis - CSF (Oligoclonal Bands)

Protein electrophoresis - CSF (Oligoclonal bands) is a laboratory test performed on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to detect inflammation or infections in the central nervous system (CNS). This test specifically looks for the presence of unique proteins called oligoclonal bands, which can help to diagnose certain neurological conditions, such as multiple sclerosis (MS), and differentiate them from other conditions with similar symptoms.

Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear, colorless body fluid that is found in the brain and spinal cord. It provides a protective cushion for the brain and carries waste products away from surrounding tissues. The presence of oligoclonal bands in CSF, but not in blood, is a strong indicator of inflammation within the CNS and can provide valuable diagnostic information for certain neurological diseases.

  • Test NameProtein Electrophoresis - CSF (Oligoclonal Bands)
  • Sample TypeBlood
  • Preparations RequiredNo special instructions are required prior to this test. It is advisable to inform your doctor of any medications you're taking, as they might interfere with the test results.
  • Report Time24 hours
Why is this test done?

This test is primarily done when there is a suspicion of a neurological condition like multiple sclerosis, or to distinguish between different causes of inflammation in the nervous system.

How is this test performed?

The test requires a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is collected via a procedure called lumbar puncture or spinal tap.

Home Sample Collection Process

1
Book your convenient slot
Book your convenient slot
2
Sample Collection by Phlebotomist
Sample Collection by Phlebotomist
3
Reporting of the sample at lab
Reporting of the sample at lab
4
Download Reports
Download Reports
Frequently Asked Questions

The presence of oligoclonal bands in the CSF but not in the blood is an indicator of inflammation in the central nervous system. This can suggest a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or other neurological disorders.

No special preparation is needed for this test. However, be sure to inform your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you're taking as they may influence the test results.

The main risks associated with this test come from the lumbar puncture procedure used to collect the CSF sample. These can include infection, bleeding, or discomfort at the site of the puncture.

This test can provide valuable diagnostic information when there is a suspicion of a neurological disorder such as multiple sclerosis. It can help differentiate between multiple sclerosis and other conditions that cause similar symptoms.

No, this test requires a sample of cerebrospinal fluid which must be collected by a healthcare professional through a lumbar puncture procedure.

Yes, certain medications can affect the results of this test. Be sure to tell your healthcare provider about any medications you are taking.

This test is generally very accurate when performed in a competent laboratory. However, as with any test, there can be false-positive or false-negative results.

The presence of oligoclonal bands can be an indicator of disease activity in conditions like multiple sclerosis, but the test is typically used for diagnosis rather than monitoring.

Your doctor might order other tests, such as MRI or other blood tests, to help diagnose or rule out certain neurological disorders.

After the test, your healthcare provider will review the results and discuss them with you. Based on the results, further diagnostic tests or treatment may be needed.

A positive test result indicates the presence of oligoclonal bands in the CSF, which suggests inflammation in the central nervous system. A negative test result means that these bands were not detected.

The test itself is not painful, but the lumbar puncture procedure to collect the CSF can cause some discomfort.

Yes, while multiple sclerosis is a common cause of positive test results, other conditions such as infections or autoimmune diseases can also cause abnormal results.

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