Test Overview
This test is for the quantification of NfL in plasma to assist in the clinical assessment of neurological disorders. NfL is a nonspecific biomarker for axonal degeneration; elevated NfL levels are associated with a range of neurological disorders including AD, ALS, MS, FTD, and TBI.
| Test Code: | NfL |
| Synonyms: | Plasma NfL, Nf-L |
| Methodology: | Chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) |
| Validation: | Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) |
| Reference Range: | Age Group |
Performance
| Frequency: | Once a week |
| Expected Turnaround: | 3 - 5 days |
| Sample Report: | Coming Soon |
Our offices are only able to receive samples Mon-Fri, so samples must be shipped Mon-Thur. Samples arriving over the weekend may need to be redrawn.
Specimen
| Specimen Type: | EDTA Plasma |
| Container: | Lavender-top EDTA tube |
| Preferred Volume: | 1 mL |
| Minimum Volume: | 0.5 mL |
| Rejection Criteria: | Grossly hemolytic, icteric, or lipemic. If the sample arrives at room temperature. |
| Collection and Processing: | No patient preparation is required for sample collection. Draw blood in tube(s) with EDTA activator. Centrifuge tubes at 1800 - 2200 x g for 10-15 minutes. Draw off plasma (top layer) into aliquot tubes with pipette, ensuring not to take RBCs (middle/bottom layers). Store aliquot tubes in refrigerator (2° C - 8° C) until shipping. |
| Specimen Handling: | Transport refrigerated or frozen |
| Specimen Stability: | 7 days at room temperature (15⁰ C – 25⁰ C) Up to 4 freeze / thaw cycles |
NfL is very sensitive to temperature and freeze/thaw cycles. Time at room temperature should be minimized.
Additional Information
- This is a laboratory developed test, its performance was determined by Neurocode USA Inc. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration.
- Elevated NfL is not a disease specific factor and may be caused by a neurodegenerative disease or traumatic brain injury. Results should be used in conjunction with clinical signs and symptoms.
- NfL levels measured in the evening may be more than 10% lower than those measured in the morning (Benedict et al 2020).
- Higher levels of NfL can occur in patients with a history of stoke, atrial fibrillation, myocardial infarction, chronic kidney disease, pregnancy, and diabetes. Lower levels may be found in person who are obese (BMI ≥ 30) (Syrjanen et al 2022).
Order Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain (NfL) Test
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