Pseudonyms
CSF Kappa Index
Collection Requirements
1mL of CSF and Serum are required to be collected and sent together to the laboratory.
Tube Colour
Gold (Blood for serum) and a Sterile CSF container
Test image(s)
Requires own tube?
No
Availability
Weekly
Reference Laboratory
Alfred Pathology Services. 55 Commercial Rd. Prahan. 3181. ph 03 9076 3888
Fee
There is no MBS rebate for this test. The cost is $60.
Notes
CSF Kappa Index is an indicator of intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis and can substitute for CSF "oligoclonal bands" in supporting the diagnosis of Multiple Sclerosis using the 2024 revised McDonald criteria.
A Kappa Index result >/= 6.1 is consistent with intrathecal immunoglobulin synthesis
Ref: X Montalban et al. Diagnosis of multiple sclerosis: 2024 revisions of the McDonald criteria. Lancet Neurol 2025; 24: 850–65
NOTE: In samples where a Kappa Index cannot be calculated, an "oligoclonal bands" test may be reflexed.
Test code: UNCB