Oligoclonal bands detection in
CSF*

*CSF= Cerebrospinal Fluid

The gold standard assay to objectively detect CNS local IgG synthesis.

Inflammatory disorders of the central nervous system include a large spectrum of autoimmune diseases. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is the most common chronic human inflammatory demyelinating disease of the central nervous system and causes disability in young adults. Indeed, MS is a chronic and progressive condition affecting the Central Nervous System (CNS).

The diagnosis is based on a combination of factors including signs and symptoms, imaging techniques (MRI) and laboratory findings (e.g cerebrospinal fluid-specific oligoclonal bands).

Sebia offers a CE-marked assay based on the gel electrophoresis method, allowing for the detection of CNS local IgG synthesis through isoelectric focusing.

Download Brochure Multiple Sclerosis International Guidelines HYDRAGEL CSF HYDRASYS 2 instrument Discover more

Multiple Sclerosis

Central Nervous System (CNS) inflammatory disorders encompass a range of conditions characterized by inflammation within the CNS, with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) being one of the most prevalent and studied examples of these debilitating diseases.

It is estimated that more than 2.9 million people globally are affected by MS. MS is characterized by the disseminated demyelination of nerve fibers of the brain and spinal cord and may lead to physical disability, cognitive impairment and decreased quality of life.

Usually, MS can progress with individual relapses (attacks or exacerbations) or more gradually. The diagnosis is based on a combination of factors including signs and symptoms, imaging techniques (MRI) and laboratory findings (e.g cerebrospinal fluid-specific oligoclonal bands).

Detection of CSF oligoclonal bands has been a gold standard method recommended by international guidelines for many years. We rely on these test results in our clinical routine to manage patients effectively. The qualitative interpretation is simple and straightforward, requiring no standardized cut-off.

Neurologist

CSF oligoclonal banding is part of the international guidelines

Many disorders of the central nervous system are associated with increased concentration of Cerebral Spinal Fluid (CSF) proteins either due to increased permeability of blood-CSF barrier or to synthesis of immunoglobulins, primarily IgG, within the Central Nervous System (CNS).

Presence of intrathecal IgG synthesis suggests inflammatory disease of the CNS, such as caused by Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

According to the updated international guidelines (revised McDonald Criteria publication pending, orally presented during ECTRIMS congress in 2024), these revised criteria will notably allow diagnosing MS in asymptomatic individuals specifically, those who previously were classified as having radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS). People with RIS have MRI lesions suggestive of MS, but no clinical symptoms. The latest recommendations emphasize that the detection of disease-specific oligoclonal bands in the cerebrospinal fluid can replace the need to demonstrate dissemination in time, allowing for a confirmed diagnosis even after a single clinical event in certain cases.

Access the McDonald criteria

We used the Sebia instruments already in our laboratory to implement the new assay. Compared to our previous homemade gels, this allows us to save time and streamline our efforts. It does not only enhance our workflow but also ensures reproducibility and reduces the burden of documentation required for non-commercial methods. With the HYDRASYS 2 Scan Focusing instrument, we can efficiently perform CSF isofocusing technique and benefit from a comprehensive range of additional tests, including serum & urine Immunofixation, A1AT phenotyping, von Willebrand multimers, Iso-Enzymes, Lipoproteins…

Lab Manager

Superior Sensitivity and Specificity with Sebia

HYDRAGEL 3/9 CSF ISOFOCUSING assay

The presence of CSF oligoclonal bands, which characterize local IgG synthesis, closely correlates with the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis. Their presence provides useful information when in agreement with other clinical investigations. There are five classic patterns of oligoclonal bands:

Type 1:

No bands in CSF and serum.

Type 2:

Oligoclonal IgG bands in CSF but not in serum.

Type 3:

Identical oligoclonal bands in serum & CSF, and additional oligoclonal bands in CSF, indicative of intrathecal synthesis.

Type 4:

Identical pattern of oligoclonal bands in CSF and serum.

Type 5:

Identical pattern of monoclonal bands in CSF and serum.

ASSIST & HYDRASYS 2 Scan Focusing compatibility

A reliable qualitative interpretation

Main advantages of isoelectric focusing (IEF) method

One of the first steps consists in diluting CSF/Serum specimens manually, or automatically with Sebia ASSIST instrument. Then, used on the HYDRASYS 2 SCAN FOCUSING instrument, the HYDRAGEL 3/9 CSF ISOFOCUSING assay provides qualitative detection and immunological characterization of IgG oligoclonal bands in human CSF and serum with a simple step-by-step procedure

The Sebia HYDRAGEL CSF ISOFOCUSING kit utilizes enzyme-labeled antibodies, dramatically improving sensitivity and specificity. It allows a clear oligoclonal band visualization for a reliable interpretation.

The IEF method, as offered by Sebia, is part of the International Consensus Statement (Freedman MS et al, 2005). Among the 12 recommendations indicated by the expert committee, the first one states that “the single most informative analysis is a qualitative assessment of CSF for IgG, best performed using IEF together with some form of immunodetection (blotting or fixation).

Be the next & satisfied adopter!

Streamlining the detection of CNS local IgG synthesis with precise, qualitative detection and characterization of IgG oligoclonal bands, providing clinicians with reliable and actionable insights.

The lab used to make its own gels to detect CSF oligoclonal bands. Since we were already equipped with Sebia's ASSIST and HYDRASYS instruments for serum & urine immunofixation, switching to the Sebia HYDRAGEL CSF ISOFOCUSING assay was a logical step. At the end, we save labor time and reduce costs for the lab.

Lab Purchasing Manager