Quality assurance for cerebrospinal fluid protein analysis: International consensus by an Internet-based group discussion

Reiber, Hansotto;Thompson, Edward J.;Grimsley, Guy;Bernardi, Gaetano;Verbeek, Marcel M.;et.al.
(2003) Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine : Associated with FESCC and IFCC — Vol. 41, n° 3, p. 331-337 (2003)

Files

41105.pdf
  • Restricted Access
  • Adobe PDF
  • 136.51 KB

Details

Authors
  • Reiber, Hansotto
    Author
  • Thompson, Edward J.
    Author
  • Grimsley, Guy
    Author
  • Bernardi, Gaetano
    Author
  • Sindic, ChristianUCLouvain
    Author
  • Verbeek, Marcel M.
    Author
Show more
Abstract
A group of neurologists and clinical neurochemists representing twelve countries worked towards a consensus on laboratory techniques to improve the quality of analysis and interpretation of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) proteins. Consensus was approached via a virtual Lotus Notes-based TeamRoom. This new approach respecting multicultural differences, common views, and minority opinions, is available in http://www.teamspace.net/CSF, presenting the implicit, complementary version of this explicit, printed consensus. Three key recommendations were made: CSF and (appropriately diluted) serum samples should be analyzed together in one analytical run, i.e., with reference to the same calibration curve. Results are evaluated as CSF/serum quotients, taking into account the non-linear, hyperbolic relation between immunoglobulin (Ig)- and albumin-quotients rather than using the linear IgG index or IgG synthesis rate. Controls should include materials with values within the reference ranges (IgM: 0.5-1.5 mg/l; IgA: 1-3 mg/l; IgG: 10-30 mg/l and albumin: 100-300 mg/l). The physiological, methodological and clinical significance of CSF/serum quotients is reviewed. We confirmed the previous consensus on oligoclonal IgG, in particular the usefulness of the five typical interpretation patterns. The group compared current external and internal quality assurance schemes and encouraged all members to maintain national or local traditions. Values for acceptable imprecision in the CSF quality assurance are proposed.
Affiliations

Citations

Reiber, H., Thompson, E. J., Grimsley, G., Bernardi, G., Adam, P., de Almeida, S. M., Fredman, P., Keir, G., Lammers, M., Liblau, R., Menna-Barreto, M. M.-B., Maria, J. S., Seres, E., Sindic, C., Teelken, A., Trendelenburg, C., Trojano, M., van Antwerpen, M.-P., & Verbeek, M. M. (2003). Quality assurance for cerebrospinal fluid protein analysis: International consensus by an Internet-based group discussion. Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine : Associated with FESCC and IFCC, 41(3), 331-337. https://doi.org/10.1515/CCLM.2003.053 (Original work published 2003)