Mayo Clinic Laboratories > Neurology > Multiple sclerosis

Multiple sclerosis

Innovative evaluations to detect and diagnose

Mayo Clinic Laboratories offers a profile that can assist in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) by measuring kappa immunoglobin light chains in cerebral spinal fluid (KCSF) with a reflex, if positive, to oligoclonal banding. Propelled by Mayo Clinic-led studies into the presence of kappa IgG biomarkers in the spinal fluid of patients with MS, the assay has been optimized for peak antibody detection. This increased sensitivity delivers precision results that set patients on the correct diagnostic pathway.

Multiple sclerosis Test menu

Multiple sclerosis

Key testing

Advantages

  • Automated assay is objective, standardized, and enables definitive, error-free results.
  • Same-day results for three-fourths of patients tested.
  • Reflexive testing provides increased sensitivity and definitive answers.
  • Adheres to widely used McDonald criteria for a positive diagnosis.

Highlights


Neurofilament light chain

For patients suspected of having multiple sclerosis, testing for neurofilament light chain (NfL), a generic marker of neurodegeneration, can confirm a neurodegenerative disease process. Propelled by Mayo Clinic-led research, Mayo Clinic Laboratories has implemented a first-in-class assay to test for elevated levels of NfL in the blood. Positive test results not only confirm neuronal damage but can offer insights on disease severity, progression, and prognosis to guide therapeutic decision-making.

Key testing

Advantages

  • Provides increased sensitivity through use of digital ELISA testing via the Quanterix Simoa® platform.
  • A positive result suggests the presence of a neurodegenerative disease process.
  • Results reported in accordance with established age-based reference intervals.
  • Validated to align with CAP and CLIA testing guidelines.

Highlights


References
  1. Solomon AJ, Naismith RT, Cross AH. Misdiagnosis of multiple sclerosis: Impact of the 2017 McDonald criteria on clinical practice. Neurology. 2019;92(1):26-33. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000006583 
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