Myelin Basic Protein, CSF

Test ID: 

703046

CPT code:

83873

Synonyms:

•MBP

Clinical Use:

Assist in diagnosing multiple sclerosis; determine whether an MS patient is having an active demyelinating episode; determine whether active demyelination is occurring in patients being treated by intrathecal chemotherapy or radiation therapy for neoplastic diseases involving the central nervous system; diagnose acute brain tissue destruction in children, including newborns; assess the efficacy of potential treatments for MS.

Test Information:

This test provides a measure of myelin fragments released into the spinal fluid as a result of the breakdown of myelin during acute phases in the course of demyelinating disease of the CNS (most common example of which is multiple sclerosis). MBP is a 169 amino acid peptide that comprises 30% of the protein of the myelin sheath. While MBP is a useful test in the diagnosis of active MS, some patients with this disorder will have normal limits, especially during remissions, and elevations may be seen in other disorders as well. Therefore, tests such as CSF oligoclonal bands and IgG index, which are positive in 90% of MS patients during active disease or remission, are preferred for the initial diagnosis. However, MBP is useful for providing objective evidence of disease activity.

Specimen Type:

Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF

Requested Volume: 

1ml

Minimum Volume: 

0.8 mL; when oligoclonal banding is ordered along with myelin basic protein, the minimum volume of CSF is 0.9 mL

Container Type: 

Plastic transport tube

Collection:

Centrifuge CSF at 1500xg for 20 minutes and place the supernatant in a separate tube. Ensure that residual fibrin and cellular matter have been removed prior to transport.

Storage Instructions:

Room temperature

Stability Requirements:

Rejection Criteria:

Lipemic, hemolyzed, or icteric specimen; CSF should be free from contamination with blood. Hemolysis is associated with falsely-elevated levels of MBP.