TEST ID MSP3 Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Cascade, Serum and Spinal Fluid
Reporting Name
Multiple Sclerosis CascadeSpecimen Type
CSFSerum
Specimen Required
Both serum and spinal fluid are required. Spinal fluid must be obtained within 1 week of serum collection.
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Submit CSF from collection vial no. 4.(preferred); vial no. 1, 3, 2 are also acceptable (in this order).
2. Label specimen as spinal fluid.
Specimen Type: Serum
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Within 2 hours of collection, centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
2. Label specimen as serum.
Specimen Minimum Volume
Serum, Spinal fluid: 0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
CSF | Frozen (preferred) | 14 days |
Refrigerated | 72 hours | |
Ambient | 24 hours | |
Serum | Frozen (preferred) | 14 days |
Ambient | 14 days | |
Refrigerated | 14 days |
Special Instructions
Testing Algorithm
Kappa free light-chain testing will be performed by nephelometry on cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) samples. When kappa free light-chain testing indicates either borderline or positive results (≥0.0600 mg/dL), the oligoclonal banding test will be performed at an additional charge.
If the time of testing exceeds the specimen stability for oligoclonal banding tests, only kappa free light-chain testing will be performed. Kappa free light-chain testing will only be performed up to specimen stability.
For more information see Central Nervous System Demyelinating Disease Diagnostic Algorithm.
Method Name
KCSFP: Nephelometry
OLIGC, OLIGS: Isoelectric Focusing (IEF) with IgG Immunoblot Detection
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Reference Values
KAPPA FREE LIGHT CHAIN
Medical decision point: 0.1000 mg/dL
Positive: ≥0.1000 mg/dL
Borderline: 0.0600 mg/dL-0.0999 mg/dL
Negative <0.0600 mg/dL
OLIGOCLONAL BANDS:
<2 bands
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
OLIGS | Serum Bands | Yes, (Order OLIG, submit CSF and Serum) | No |
OLIGC | CSF Bands | Yes, (Order OLIG, submit CSF and Serum) | No |
Report Available
3 to 5 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysPerforming Laboratory

CPT Code Information
83521
83916 x2 (if appropriate)
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request (T732) with the specimen.
Useful For
Diagnosing multiple sclerosis, especially helpful in patients with equivocal clinical or radiological findings
Profile Information
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
KCSFP | Kappa Free Light Chain, CSF | Yes, (KCSF) | Yes |
XSRM | Additional sample for reflex OLIGS | No | Yes |