OLIGOCLONAL BAND BY IEF (O.S)

Overview

The diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) is dependent on clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings. The detection of increased intrathecal immunoglobulin (Ig) synthesis is the basis for current diagnostic laboratory tests for MS. These tests include the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG index and CSF oligoclonal band (OCB) detection. Abnormal CSF IgG indexes and OCB patterns have been reported in 70% to 80% of MS patients. Increased intrathecal Ig synthesis may occur in other inflammatory CSF diseases.