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Test Code CASF IgG/Albumin Ratio, Spinal Fluid

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester

Specimen Type

CSF


Ordering Guidance


The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) index in which the CSF IgG/albumin ratio is compared to the serum IgG/albumin ratio aids in the diagnosis of individuals with multiple sclerosis. See SFIN / Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) IgG Index, Serum and Spinal Fluid.



Specimen Required


Collection Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 1 mL


Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
CSF Refrigerated (preferred) 28 days
  Frozen  28 days
  Ambient  14 days

Reference Values

CSF IgG: 0.0-8.1 mg/dL

CSF albumin: 0.0-27.0 mg/dL

CSF IgG/albumin: 0.00-0.21

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday

CPT Code Information

82042

82784

Clinical Information

Elevation of IgG levels in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of patients with inflammatory diseases of the central nervous system (CNS) (multiple sclerosis [MS], neurosyphilis, acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy, subacute sclerosing panencephalitis) is due to local CNS synthesis of IgG.

 

The 2 most commonly used diagnostic laboratory tests for MS are CSF index and oligoclonal banding. The CSF index is the CSF IgG to CSF albumin ratio compared to the serum IgG to serum albumin ratio. The CSF index is therefore an indicator of the relative amount of CSF IgG compared to serum, and any increase in the index is a reflection of IgG production in the CNS. The IgG synthesis rate is a mathematical manipulation of the CSF index data and can also be used as a marker for CNS inflammatory diseases.

Report Available

1 to 3 days

Reject Due To

Gross hemolysis OK
Gross lipemia OK
Gross icterus OK

Method Name

Nephelometry