Test Code CASF IgG/Albumin Ratio, Spinal Fluid
Reporting Name
IgG/Albumin Ratio, CSFUseful For
Assessment of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG/albumin ratio in the absence of a paired CSF and serum specimen
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
CSFOrdering Guidance
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) index in which the CSF IgG/albumin ratio is compared to the serum IgG/albumin ratio aids in the diagnosis of individuals with multiple sclerosis. See SFIG / Cerebrospinal Fluid IgG Index Profile, Serum and Spinal Fluid.
Specimen Required
Specimen Type: Spinal fluid (CSF)
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 1 mL
Collection Instructions:
1. Submit CSF from collection vial number 2 (preferred, not required).
2. Label specimen as CSF.
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
Frozen | 28 days | |
Ambient | 14 days |
Reference Values
CSF IgG: 0.0-8.1 mg/dL
CSF albumin: 0.0-27.0 mg/dL
CSF IgG/albumin: 0.00-0.21
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
82042
82784
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
CASF | IgG/Albumin Ratio, CSF | 2470-3 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
IGG_C | IgG, CSF | 2464-6 |
ALB_C | Albumin, CSF | 1746-7 |
AIGAC | IgG/Albumin, CSF | 2470-3 |
Method Description
The cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IgG and albumin are determined by immunonephelometry on a Siemens Nephelometer II. In this assay, the light scattered by the antigen-antibody complexes are measured. The intensity of the measured scattered light is proportional to the amount of antigen-antibody complexes in the sample under certain conditions. If the antibody volume is kept constant, the signal behaves proportionally to the antigen volume. A reference curve is generated by a standard with a known antigen content on which the scattered light signals of the samples can be evaluated and calculated as an antigen concentration.
Antigen-antibody complexes are formed when a sample containing antigen, and the corresponding antiserum are put into a cuvette. A light beam is generated with a light emitting diode, which is transmitted through the cuvette. The light is scattered by the immuno-complexes that are present. Antigen and antibody are mixed in the initial measurement, but no complex is yet formed. An antigen-antibody complex is formed in the final measurement.
The result is calculated by subtracting the value of the final measurement from the initial measurement. The distribution of intensity of the scattered light depends on the ratio of the particle size of the antigen-antibody complexes to the radiated wavelength. CSF IgG and albumin, and CSF IgG/albumin ratios are reported.(Instruction manual: Siemens Nephelometer II Operations. Siemens, Inc; Version 2.4, 07/2019; Addendum to the Instruction Manual 2.3, 08/2017)
Report Available
1 to 3 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | OK |
Gross lipemia | OK |
Gross icterus | OK |
Method Name
Nephelometry