CXCL 13 (ELISA) (csf) (Cerebrospinal fluid (csf))

General guidelines for collection and shipment of csf samples

•Use polypropylene (PP) tubes. No glass and no polystyrene (PS) tubes. Close the container lid securely to prevent leakage. Label each CSF sample with patient´s data (name, DOB) and as "CSF".

•Calculate sufficient volume of CSF for all requested tests and submit it in 3-4 aliquots (e.g. 3 x 3 ml), as some measurements are performed at external laboratories.

•If CSF cannot be sent soon, freeze it in multiple aliquots immediately after collection and transport it to the laboratory in a frozen state.

•For analysis strictly requiring frozen samples, a separate sample is needed to avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.

•For Oligoclonal bands (OCBs) and antibody index (ASI), collect serum and CSF simultaneously (within <1 hour of each other) and always submit them together.

•For PCR testing separate sterile sample is required.