An alternative, innovative approach to multiple sclerosis testing is now available at Mayo Clinic Laboratories. The immunoglobulin kappa free light chain testing was recently validated by Mayo Clinic researchers and will help physicians diagnose multiple sclerosis, especially in patients with equivocal clinical or radiologic findings.

“Laboratories have been trying to look for an alternative — a better marker — for multiple sclerosis for a long time, since testing for oligoclonal banding is very manual, labor intensive, and requires specialized lab instruments and lab expertise,” says Maria Alice Willrich, Ph.D.

Dr. Willrich explains in a recent “Test in Focus” podcast episode how the new automated assay has significant advantages over traditional oligoclonal banding testing, including being faster and cheaper.

“It is an automated assay, more cost-effective and simpler to perform, and it provides equivalent results,” says Dr. Willrich. “The approach provides a fast answer to clinicians and patients trying to rule in or rule out multiple sclerosis.”

For more information, listen to this “Answers From the Lab” podcast episode on Mayo Clinic Laboratories Insights.