Replacing Oligoclonal Banding by Detecting CSF Free Light Chains in Demyelinating Disease

What is it about?

The lack of specificity and high cost of oligoclonal banding (OCB) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG-index testing has led to potential alternative testing for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS). Kappa free light chains have the ability to significantly change how analytical testing is currently being utilized in the diagnosis of MS. Light chains produced in excess during antibody formation can be detected using nephelometric measurement of an antibody/antigen interaction.

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Why is it important?

We aimed to provide a superior alternative to the previously established assays by creating a quantitative assay that increases both sensitivity and specificity, all while reducing cost to laboratories and maintaining a high level of patient diagnostic care. The OCB method is costly, labor intensive, and exhibits no standard definition across institutions of the number of unique CSF OCBs required for a clinically positive result. CSF FLC method provides a significant reduction in cost and turnaround time. It also provides a quantitative result, reducing the stress of a technologist having to meticulously read OCB patterns.