MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: CSF oligoclonal banding

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CSF oligoclonal banding

Contents of this page:
Alternative names Definition How the test is performed How the test will feel Why the test is performed	Normal Values What abnormal results mean What the risks are Special considerations

Alternative names

Cerebrospinal fluid - immunofixation

Definition Return to top

CSF oligoclonal banding is a test performed on cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). CSF is a clear fluid that circulates in the space surrounding the spinal cord and brain. The CSF contains substances that may be markers for disease. Oligoclonal bands are immunoglobulins that suggest inflammation of the central nervous system. The presence of oligoclonal bands may be a sign of multiple sclerosis.

How the test is performed Return to top

A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is performed and the fluid is sent to the laboratory for analysis.

How the test will feel Return to top

Patients will be asked to either sit up or lie down on their sides with the back parallel to the bed and the chin tucked under and the legs curled in the fetal position. The healthcare provider will use the bony protrusions of the hip to determine the most appropriate location to remove fluid. This is usually at what is known as the L3-L4 vertebral level.

Subsequently iodine will be used to clean off the area and a sterile sheet will be draped over the surrounding area. In infants and small children, EMLA cream, a local anesthetic cream will be used to numb the skin and will be applied about 1 hour prior to the procedure. In adults, lidocaine will be injected under the skin initially, and then deeper such that tissue beneath the skin will also be numbed.

A thin 20-gauge needle will then be inserted into the interspace between the vertebra. Depending on how much subcutaneous tissue there is, this may require shallow or deeper penetration of the needle. There may be an audible "pop" when the needle penetrates the dura (membrane that surrounds the spinal cord and encases the fluid). At that point there will be fluid flowing out of the needle and this will be collected in plastic containers. Under normal circumstances, the opening pressure will be measured with a manometer and then about 20-30 cc of spinal fluid will be collected and sent for evaluation under the microscope.

Under experienced hands there should not be any pain. There may be a feeling of pressure when the needle is inserted but with appropriate anesthetic, this should not hurt. Occasionally, some people may feel numbness shooting down the leg. This may be due to irritation of a nerve root.

The needle is withdrawn, the sensation subsides and is not permanent. Following the procedure, the patient is advised to remain lying down for an hour or two to prevent low-pressure headaches. The entire procedure takes approximately 20 minutes.

Why the test is performed Return to top

This test helps confirm the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis (MS) however, it is not specific for this disease. The presence of oligoclonal bands in the CSF must be interpreted in the context of clinical findings and other laboratory results.

Normal Values Return to top

Negative result -- one or less bandings found in the CSF is normal.

What abnormal results mean Return to top

The test results are positive. There are 2 or more bandings found in the CSF and not in the blood serum. This may indicate multiple sclerosis.

What the risks are Return to top

Risks of lumbar puncture include:
- hypersensitivity (allergic) reaction to the anesthetic
- discomfort during the test
- headache after the test
- bleeding into the spinal canal
Brain herniation (if performed on a person with increased intracranial pressure), and resulting in brain damage and/or death
Damage to the spinal cord does not occur because the needle is inserted below the level that the spinal cord ends. The needle may irritate a nerve root which results in transient numbness or tingling in the leg. This goes away when the needle is re-adjusted.

Special considerations Return to top

To confirm multiple sclerosis, clinical symptoms and consistent MRI findings must also be present.

Update Date: 8/10/2003

Updated by: Elaine T. Kiriakopoulos, M.D., M.Sc., Department of Neurology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard University, Boston, MA. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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