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Oligoclonal band, CSF Test
Also known as: Oligoclonal Band, CSF
No special precautions
Sample Type
Blood
Recommended for
Male, Female
Report
Within 24 Hours
Blood test at Home
NABL & CAP Accredited Labs
Accurate & Quality Test Reports
Trusted by Leading Doctors & Hospitals
Oligoclonal Band, CSF Details in Brief
| Also Known As | OCB Test, Oligoclonal Bands in CSF Test, CSF OCB Analysis |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Helps diagnose Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and other neurological conditions by detecting antibody bands in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and serum |
| Preparation | No specific preparation required, but CSF collection is performed under medical supervision |
| Fasting | Not required |
| Reporting Time | Next day |
| Cost | 4,905 |
What is an Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test?
The Oligoclonal Bands (OCB) Test is a laboratory test that detects specific patterns of antibodies, known as immunoglobulins, in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood serum. These antibodies reflect inflammation or immune activity within the central nervous system (CNS).
This test is a key diagnostic tool for identifying neurological diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS), where the immune system attacks the myelin sheath protecting nerve fibres. The test compares antibody patterns in your CSF and serum to determine whether the immune system’s activity is limited to the CNS or is systemic (affecting the whole body).
CSF is collected through a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), and blood is drawn from a vein, ideally at the same time. Both samples are analysed in the lab using Isoelectric Focusing, a method that separates proteins based on their electrical charge to visualise band patterns.
What Does an Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Measure?
The test measures and compares immunoglobulin (antibody) patterns in CSF and serum to:
- Detect abnormal immune responses in the brain and spinal cord.
- Confirm or rule out Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
- Distinguish between inflammatory and non-inflammatory neurological conditions.
- Monitor disease progression or treatment response in patients with MS or related disorders.
Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test: Who Needs It and Why It’s Done
What Symptoms May Call for an Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you experience:
- Blurred or double vision
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness in limbs
- Problems with coordination or balance
- Persistent fatigue or cognitive issues
- Spinal cord inflammation or recurrent neurological episodes
Who Should Get an Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test?
- Patients with symptoms suggesting Multiple Sclerosis (MS) or other demyelinating disorders
- Individuals with unexplained neurological inflammation or infection
- People with suspected autoimmune or infectious CNS diseases (e.g., neurosarcoidosis, neurosyphilis)
- Those being monitored for MS progression or treatment response
Why is an Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Done?
- It is performed to detect immune activity in the central nervous system, confirming or ruling out MS and related neurological conditions.
- Detecting CSF-specific oligoclonal bands indicates intrathecal antibody production (antibody synthesis within the CNS), which is highly specific for MS.
Importance of an Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test
- The OCB test is one of the most important investigations in diagnosing Multiple Sclerosis.
- A positive OCB result—when antibody bands appear in CSF but not in serum—strongly supports an MS diagnosis, especially when combined with MRI findings.
- It also helps distinguish between MS and other neurological diseases, guiding accurate diagnosis and treatment planning.
Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Booking & Reports – Metropolis Healthcare
How to Book the Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test and Get Your Reports?
- Simple Online Booking
Book the test through the Metropolis Healthcare website or app. Select the Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test and schedule your appointment for CSF collection. - Safe Sample Collection
CSF is collected via a lumbar puncture under sterile conditions by a trained physician, while a blood sample is drawn from a vein at the same time. - Sample Tracking Updates
Track your test progress on the Metropolis website or app from sample collection to reporting. - Accurate Laboratory Testing
Your samples are processed using Isoelectric Focusing in NABL & CAP accredited laboratories to ensure precision. - Quick & Easy Reports
Reports are usually ready by the next day and can be accessed via email, WhatsApp, or through the Metropolis Healthcare app or website.
Is Home Sample Collection for Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Available Near You?
Home collection is not available for this test. You will have to visit your nearest Metroplosis Lab.
In How Much Time Will I Get Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Report?
Reports are generally available the next day once both CSF and serum samples are received.
Note: Reporting time may vary based on your location.
Where Can I See or Get Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Results?
You can access your reports conveniently via the Metropolis Healthcare website or mobile app. Reports are also shared through email or WhatsApp, and printed copies can be collected from the nearest Metropolis Lab.
Interpreting Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Results
What Your Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Results May Indicate
| Pattern | Interpretation | Clinical Association |
|---|---|---|
| No bands in CSF and serum | Normal pattern | No central nervous system inflammation |
| Bands present only in CSF | Intrathecal antibody synthesis | Strongly supports Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis |
| Same bands in CSF and serum | Mirror pattern | Systemic inflammation, not MS |
| Numerous bands in both CSF and serum | Polyclonal response | Infectious or autoimmune CNS disorder |
Understanding Abnormal Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Results by Parameter
| Pattern Type | Possible Interpretation | Associated Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 3 bands (CSF only) | Early or mild immune activity | Early-stage MS or other inflammatory disorders |
| 3 to 10 bands (CSF only) | High sensitivity and specificity for MS | Multiple Sclerosis |
| More than 10 bands (CSF only) | Strong indication of MS | Multiple Sclerosis (classical pattern) |
| Identical CSF and serum bands | No intrathecal synthesis | Systemic autoimmune or infectious disease |
How Should You Prepare for an Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test?
Follow these important steps before your test:
- No fasting required: You can eat and drink normally before the test.
- Medication review: Inform your doctor about any ongoing medicines, especially immunosuppressants.
- Hydration: Drink adequate water before the procedure to help with blood collection.
- Rest after lumbar puncture: Plan to rest for a few hours following CSF collection to prevent headaches.
How Is an Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Done? (Step-by-Step Procedure)
- CSF Collection: A lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is performed by a doctor to collect cerebrospinal fluid.
- Blood Draw: A blood sample is collected simultaneously from your vein.
- Sample Comparison: Both samples are sent to the lab for analysis using isoelectric focusing.
- Band Detection: The lab visualises immunoglobulin bands to detect CSF-specific antibody activity.
- Result Interpretation: A neurologist reviews your results alongside clinical and MRI findings.
Conditions That May Affect Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Accuracy
- Incomplete or non-simultaneous collection of CSF and serum samples may lead to inaccurate comparison.
- Recent immunotherapy or steroid treatment can reduce detectable antibody levels.
- Ongoing infections or autoimmune diseases may cause overlapping band patterns.
Diseases That an Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Can Help Detect
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
- Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO)
- Neurosyphilis
- Viral or bacterial meningitis
- Autoimmune encephalitis
- Central nervous system lupus
Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test Price in Different Cities
The cost of a Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test may vary depending on your location. Here's a table showing the approximate price range for the Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test at Metropolis Healthcare in major Indian cities:
|
City |
Approximate Cost (INR) |
|
₹ 4500 to ₹ 6000 |
|
|
₹ 4500 to ₹ 6000 |
|
|
₹ 4500 to ₹ 6000 |
|
|
₹ 4500 to ₹ 6000 |
The Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test cost may vary depending on the city and the specific tests included in the panel. However, Metropolis Healthcare offers competitive Oligoclonal Bands (CSF and Serum) Test prices across major cities in India.
References
- Freedman M.S., Thompson E.J., Deisenhammer F., et al. (2005). Recommended standard of cerebrospinal fluid analysis in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Arch Neurol, 62(6), 865–870. PMID: 15956161
- Andersson M., Alvarez-Cermeño J., Bernardi G., et al. (1994). Cerebrospinal fluid in the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: A consensus report. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry, 57(8), 897–902. PMID: 8075589
- Reiber H., Otto M., Trendelenburg G., Wurster U. (2001). The diagnostic significance of oligoclonal bands in cerebrospinal fluid. J Neurol Sci, 186(1–2), 3–10. PMID: 11412866
- Presslauer S., Milosavljevic D., Brücke T., Bayer P., Hübl W. (2008). Elevated intrathecal IgG synthesis in multiple sclerosis. Clin Chim Acta, 394(1–2), 119–123. PMID: 18602938
- Freedman M.S., Thompson E.J., Kappos L., et al. (2013). Oligoclonal bands and their significance in multiple sclerosis. Mult Scler J, 19(6), 713–719. PMID: 23152378
Oligoclonal Band, CSF Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Oligoclonal Band, CSF with a clear pricing structure.
The Oligoclonal Band, CSF Price in Delhi is ₹ 4,905 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
It indicates the presence of antibody bands in CSF not seen in serum, suggesting central nervous system inflammation typical of Multiple Sclerosis.
No, fasting is not required before this test.
A lumbar puncture is performed to collect CSF, and a blood sample is taken from your arm at the same time.
Yes, but rest for a few hours after the lumbar puncture to avoid headaches.
It usually indicates systemic inflammation or infection rather than MS.
CSF collection may cause mild back pain or headache, but serious complications are rare.
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We offer a comprehensive range of 4000+ clinical laboratory tests and profiles, which are used for prediction, early detection, diagnostic screening, confirmation and/or monitoring of the disease.
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