Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test
About Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MS Profile Maxi Test, Multiple Sclerosis Maxi Panel |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via lumbar puncture and bone marrow sample |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 7 to 10 days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender with suspected MS symptoms; commonly aged 20 to 50 years |
| Price | Starting at ₹7300 |
What Is a Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test?
The Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test is a specialised panel used to investigate suspected diseases that damage the protective covering (myelin) of nerves in the brain and spinal cord. This test is typically ordered by a neurologist when a patient shows symptoms that may point to multiple sclerosis or a related neurological condition. It analyses three types of samples: a blood (serum) sample, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and a bone marrow sample. This test is also known as the MS Profile Maxi Test or Multiple Sclerosis Maxi Panel.
What Does a Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test Measure?
The Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test looks at several markers in blood, CSF, and bone marrow samples. Together, these markers help assess whether the immune system is abnormally active within the nervous system.
The following parameters are included in the test:
| Parameter | What It Assesses |
|---|---|
| Serum Albumin | A liver-produced protein used as a reference to evaluate the blood-brain barrier |
| Albumin-CSF | Albumin level in spinal fluid; compared with serum albumin to assess barrier integrity |
| Anti-MAG (Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein) Antibody | Antibodies linked to a slowly progressive demyelinating nerve condition |
| CSF Index | A calculated ratio comparing IgG and albumin in CSF versus blood; raised values suggest antibody production within the nervous system |
| Serum Immunoglobulin IgG | Blood antibody level used as a baseline for the IgG index calculation |
| Immunoglobulin IgG (CSF) | IgG level in spinal fluid; often elevated in MS and other CNS inflammatory conditions |
| Oligoclonal Bands (CSF) | Distinct antibody bands found in CSF but not in blood, indicating localised immune activity in the CNS |
Why Is a Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test Done?
Doctors order the MS Profile Maxi Test when neurological symptoms point towards possible MS or a related condition. The results, combined with clinical examination and MRI findings, help build a clearer picture of what is happening in the nervous system.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among those that may prompt a doctor to request this test:
- Sudden or gradual vision impairment in one or both eyes
- Numbness or tingling in the limbs or face
- Focal weakness, particularly in the legs or arms
- Bladder or bowel dysfunction without a clear cause
- Unexplained and persistent fatigue
- Difficulty walking or problems with balance and coordination
- Cognitive changes such as memory lapses or difficulty concentrating
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test can provide supporting evidence for a range of neurological conditions, including:
- Multiple sclerosis, a chronic autoimmune disease that damages the protective coating around nerve fibres
- Clinically isolated syndrome (CIS), which refers to a first episode of neurological symptoms that may later evolve into MS
- Viral or bacterial meningitis and encephalitis
- Neurosyphilis
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy
- Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis
- Anti-MAG antibody-associated peripheral neuropathy, which causes damage to the nerves outside the brain and spinal cord
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test involves three separate sample collections. Here is what you need to know before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required for the Multiple Sclerosis Maxi Panel. You may eat and drink normally before your appointment. However, inform your doctor about all the medications or supplements you are taking. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor or laboratory.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Inform your doctor about all medications you are taking, particularly immunosuppressive medicines or B-cell depleting therapies, as these can affect results
- Mention any history of bleeding disorders or allergies to local anaesthetics
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing on the day of sample collection
- Arrange for someone to accompany you and drive you home after the sample collection
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the sample collection process:
- A trained phlebotomist visits your home (or you visit a collection centre) to draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a standard needle and serum separator tube.
- For the CSF sample, you visit a Lupin Diagnostics centre, where a qualified doctor performs the lumbar puncture between the third and fifth lumbar vertebrae (the lower part of your back).
- The doctor cleans the area thoroughly, applies a local anaesthetic to reduce discomfort, and inserts a fine needle into the space between the vertebrae below the level of the spinal cord.
- A small amount of CSF (at least 10 ml) is carefully collected to ensure enough fluid for all the required tests.
- For the bone marrow sample, you will need to visit a hospital or specialised medical facility, where a qualified doctor performs the bone marrow aspiration or biopsy procedure under sterile conditions.
- The area, usually the back of the hip bone, is cleaned and numbed with a local anaesthetic before a specialised needle is used to collect the bone marrow sample.
- Once the samples are collected, the needles are withdrawn, and small dressings or plasters are applied to the collection sites.
- You may be asked to rest for a short period after the procedures before heading home.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors can influence the reliability of your results:
- Collecting blood and CSF samples on different days
- Blood contamination in the CSF sample during the lumbar puncture
- Current use of immunosuppressive medications or B-cell depleting therapies
- Recent corticosteroid treatment, which may temporarily reduce immune markers
- Recent infections, which can raise inflammatory markers independently
Understanding Your Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test Results
Results from the Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test must be reviewed alongside your clinical history, neurological examination, and MRI findings. The table below shows the reference ranges used for each parameter:
| Parameter | Normal Range |
|---|---|
| Serum Albumin | 3.5 to 4.9 g/dL |
| CSF Albumin | 10 to 30 mg/dL |
| Serum IgG | 700 to 1600 mg/dL |
| CSF IgG | 0 to 4.5 mg/dL |
| CSF IgG Index | 0.25 to 0.70 (above 0.70 suggests active IgG production within the CNS) |
| Oligoclonal Bands (CSF) | Negative (two or more bands in CSF not present in serum is considered positive) |
| Anti-MAG Antibody | Below 1000 BTU/mL (negative) |
| CSF/Serum Albumin Index | Below 9 indicates an intact blood-brain barrier; 9 to 14 indicates slight impairment; 14 to 30 indicates moderate impairment |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances can affect how results should be read:
In patients receiving B-cell-depleting therapy or those with very low antibody levels (hypogammaglobulinaemia), standard oligoclonal banding may be less informative, and your doctor may consider additional markers.
Younger patients and those in the very early stages of a possible MS presentation may show negative oligoclonal bands even when other indicators are present, as these bands are detected less frequently in early disease.
An elevated IgG index can appear in other inflammatory conditions such as neurosyphilis, acute inflammatory polyradiculoneuropathy, and subacute sclerosing panencephalitis, so clinical context is essential.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While the markers in this panel reflect neurological immune activity rather than lifestyle-related factors, the following general habits support overall health:
- Eat a balanced diet with a variety of vegetables, wholegrains, and lean proteins
- Engage in regular moderate exercise, as physical activity supports both brain and immune health
- Avoid smoking, which has been associated with increased risk and faster progression of MS
Lupin Diagnostics Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test Price and Home Collection
The Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test price starts at approximately ₹7300, depending on your city. Home collection is available for the blood sample; however, other samples require a visit to the collection centre or the hospital. The table below shows prices of this test in major cities across India:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹7300 |
| Bengaluru | ₹7300 |
| Chennai | ₹7300 |
| Hyderabad | ₹7300 |
| Kolkata | ₹7300 |
| Pune | ₹7300 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist (for a blood sample) or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre (for a CSF sample). For a bone marrow sample, please visit your hospital as directed by your doctor.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for blood samples across multiple cities, carried out by certified phlebotomists. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories staffed by experienced pathologists and technologists. Your digital report is delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
For CSF samples, please visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre. For bone marrow samples, please visit your hospital as directed by your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test helps support the diagnosis of multiple sclerosis by measuring markers of inflammation and immune activity in both blood and CSF. It is particularly useful when clinical symptoms and MRI findings alone are insufficient for a clear diagnosis.
The key calculations in this panel, particularly the CSF IgG index, require a direct comparison between levels in the blood and levels in the spinal fluid. Without both samples collected on the same day, the ratio cannot be accurately calculated, and the results would be unreliable.
A local anaesthetic is applied before the needle is inserted, so most people feel pressure or mild discomfort rather than significant pain. Some patients develop a headache in the hours after the procedure, but this usually settles within a few days with rest and adequate fluid intake.
No single test can confirm MS. The Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test provides important supporting evidence, but a formal diagnosis also depends on your clinical history, neurological examination, and MRI results. Your neurologist will use all of this information together.
Most clinicians recommend lying flat for one to four hours after the lumbar puncture and drinking plenty of fluids. You should avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 to 48 hours. If you develop a persistent headache or other unusual symptoms, contact your doctor promptly.
Yes, home collection is available for the blood sample component of the Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test through Lupin Diagnostics in multiple cities. Certified phlebotomists collect the sample at your doorstep, and testing is performed in NABL-accredited laboratories. However, CSF samples must be collected at a Lupin Diagnostics centre, while bone marrow samples are collected at a hospital as advised by your doctor.
Multiple Sclerosis Profile, Maxi Test: Booking, Price, and Results
