New Optilite Assay menu: Central Nervous System Disorders
The Optilite assay menu has been expanded to include a new range of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) assays) to accurately determine levels of IgG, IgA, IgM and albumin in CSF and paired CSF - serum samples.
Serum is the predominant source for proteins present in the CSF, the levels of which are regulated by the permeability of the blood-CSF barrier and the CSF flow rate. The measurement of the serum and CSF concentrations of albumin, IgG, IgA and IgM can be used to determine the extent of blood-CSF barrier dysfunction and/or local (intrathecal) synthesis of immunoglobulin within the central nervous system. As albumin in CSF originates exclusively from blood, the concentration ratio of albumin in CSF and in serum provides a measurement of barrier function. Calculation of CSF/serum ratios and comparison of immunoglobulin ratios to the albumin CSF/serum value can differentiate between serum-derived immunoglobulin and immunoglobulin produced within the central nervous system (intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis).
Assessment of barrier function, intrathecal synthesis and other variable CSF analytes can be useful in the diagnosis of a variety of central nervous system disorders.
For more information or to order these assays please contact your local TBS office or distributor