Immunoglobulins Panel, CSF

Test Code
6705


CPT Codes
82784 (x3)

Includes
IgG, IgA, and IgM


Preferred Specimen
2 mL CSF collected in a sterile, plastic leak-proof CSF container


Instructions
CSF must be clear


Transport Temperature
Frozen


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 7 days
Frozen: 90 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Xanthochromia/RBCs/hemolysis in CSF


Methodology
Nephelometry

Setup Schedule
Monday-Saturday Afternoon Report available: Next Day


Reference Range
IgG, CSF 0.8-7.7 mg/dL
IgA, CSF <0.6 mg/dL 
IgM, CSF <0.5 mg/dL


Clinical Significance
This panel may be ordered to assist in the initial diagnosis and subsequent management of inflammatory, infectious, autoimmune, neoplastic, or other immune-mediated disorders affecting the nervous system. Quantitative values for IgM, IgG, and IgA will be reported [1].

Immunoglobulins, or antibodies, are proteins made by the immune system in response to an infection or other potential threat. Immunoglobulins come in various forms (IgM, IgG, IgA, and others) and have unique properties and functions to coordinate the bodys response [1].

A serum-based immunoglobulin panel (test code 7083) can also be used to evaluate conditions associated with abnormal immunoglobulin levels; however, this test, which uses CSF as the sample is preferred if there is clinical suspicion of multiple sclerosis (MS). About 80% of patients with MS have elevated IgG antibody levels in their CSF, making this test useful for diagnosis [2].

This test should be interpreted in the context of pertinent clinical and family history and physical examination findings.

References
1. Burtis C, et al. Tietz Fundamentals of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics. St Louis, Missouri: Elsevier; 2015:310-314.
2. National Institutes of Health. CSF immunoglobulins G (IgG) index. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/csf-immunoglobulin-g-igg-index/. Last updated June 27, 2018. Accessed January 14, 2020.




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.