Beta Interferon Neutralising Antibody testing is performed by a referral laboratory. This assay is only available to members of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Multiple sclerosis patients receiving treatment with recombinant interferon-beta (IFN-β) products often develop IFN-β binding antibodies (BAbs) and neutralising antibodies (NAbs). Quantification of the BAbs and NAbs is important as they may reduce the clinical efficacy of the treatment.
The current method used is a cell based luciferase reporter gene assay for the measurement of NAbs to IFN-β in serum patients with multiple sclerosis. The results of the assay are aimed to inform the clinician as to the likely efficacy of the current therapy.
This assay is performed at a referral laboratory (external users requiring serum Beta Interferon Neutralising antibody levels are advised to contact the referral laboratory directly):
Neuroimmunology and CSF Laboratory
(Box 76) 9th Floor
UCL Queen Square Institute of Neurology
Queen Square
London WC1N 3BG
Specimen requirements
Serum 1ml; plasma is NOT acceptable
Cost
Price on application
Laboratory turnaround time
35 days
Laboratory method
N/A
Reference range/units
Units = NU
Negative <20 NU
Low Positive = 20 – 100 NU
Positive = 100 – 600 NU
High Positive >600 NU
Associated tests
N/A
Shipping and storage
Internal hospital transport/courier.
Ensure delivery Monday to Friday 07:00 - 17:30.
Further information and contact details
For further information, email immunologylab.enquiries@ouh.nhs.uk
