Myelin Basic Protein

Test Code

MYBPR

CPT Codes
83873

Preferred Specimen

1.2 mL CSF

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Instructions

CSF must be clear.
Do not centrifuge.

CSF collection tube #4 is preferred. Submitting 4th lumbar puncture collection tube minimizes blood contamination.

Transport Temperature

Refrigerated (cold packs)

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days Refrigerated: 14 days Frozen: 21 days

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Hemolysis in CSF

Methodology

Radioimmunoassay (RIA)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon, Thurs evening: Report available: 3-7 days

Limitations

The pesence of myelin basic protein in the spinal fluid is supportive evidence for the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and other demyelinating diseases, although it is a non-specific finding and present in other causes of damage to CNS myelin.

Reference Range

2.0-4.0 mcg/L	Negative
4.1-6.0 mcg/L	Weakly positive
>6.0 mcg/L	Positive

Clinical Significance

The concentration of MBP is often increased in patients with demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis and may be increased in patients with head injury, CNS trauma, tumor, stroke, and viral encephalitis.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute 14225 Newbrook Drive Chantilly, VA 20153

Last Updated: February 23, 2012

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.