CSF IEF takes Sebia's CSF assay a step further by utilizing isoelectric focusing for clear, crisp banding and easy result interpretation. IEF, now considered the gold standard for this assay, is the most sensitive method for the detection of oligoclonal immunoglobulin bands. Paired specimens of serum and unconcentrated spinal fluid, which have been optimized to equivalent IgG concentrations, are assayed. Utilization of the HydraPLUS™ greatly streamlines sample prep. Use of unconcentrated spinal fluid affords great time and cost savings. Additionally, CSF samples are usually provided in extremely low volumes with concentration normally requiring 2 to 3mL of fluid. With Sebia's CSF IEF assay, only 15 mL of fluid used, and this is frequently diluted before testing.

The CSF assay combines a high resolution electrophoresis with an ultra-sensitive immunofixation procedure guaranteeing that any banding identified is truly immunoglobulin based. High voltage electrophoresis on the HYDRASYS FOCUSING model allows fast sample processing with reportable results in just over 2 hours. Paired serum and CSF samples are processed side-by-side and compared for the presence of any banding present in the CSF, but not in the patient's serum sample. Any such banding pattern would be indicative of intrathecal production of immunoglobulins often found with the central nervous system degeneration associated with Multiple Sclerosis. Since greater than 99% of all oligoclonal banding is IgG in nature, this antiserum is most commonly used; however, Anti-IgA, IgM, Kappa and Lambda are also available for spinal fluid panel testing.