Beta Interferon Neutralising antibodies

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 immunology.office@nhs.net