Oligoclonal Band IgG Profile (Serum)
This test measures the presence of specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) proteins in your blood that appear as distinct bands when analyzed by electrophoresis. These bands may indicate an immune response, often linked to conditions like multiple sclerosis or other neurological disorders.
["This test helps identify unusual protein patterns that could signal an immune system activity worth further investigation."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 56763-6
- Short code
- Oligoclonal Bands IgM SerPl-Imp
- Synonyms
- Oligoclonal Bands IgM SerPl-Imp
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why Is This Test Done?
Your healthcare provider may order this test if you have symptoms like numbness, weakness, or vision changes, or if you’ve been diagnosed with a condition that could involve abnormal immune activity in the central nervous system. It’s also sometimes used to monitor treatment progress in certain neurological diseases.
What Does the Test Involve?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The blood is then processed to separate the serum, which is sent to a lab for electrophoresis—a technique that separates proteins based on size and charge. The resulting pattern of bands is analyzed to detect IgG oligoclonal bands.
What Might Abnormal Results Mean?
Oligoclonal bands are typically small, sharp lines on an electrophoresis result. Their presence can suggest an active immune response in the central nervous system, such as in multiple sclerosis, but they can also appear in other conditions like viral infections, autoimmune diseases, or certain cancers.
What Are Common Causes of Abnormal Findings?
While IgG oligoclonal bands are most strongly associated with multiple sclerosis, they can also be found in other neurological conditions, infections, or inflammatory diseases. Your doctor will consider your full medical history, symptoms, and other test results to determine the cause.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Oligoclonal bands are often used as a biomarker to support a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis or other demyelinating diseases. They reflect the production of antibodies by immune cells in the central nervous system, which can damage myelin—the protective covering around nerves. While not definitive alone, they are valuable in confirming or guiding treatment decisions alongside clinical findings and imaging studies.
Short name
IgG Oligoclonal Bands
Frequently asked questions
Will this test show if I have multiple sclerosis?
What if my test shows oligoclonal bands but I don’t have symptoms?
Can lifestyle changes affect this test result?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy