title: Rapid fluorometric assay for cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin G.
abstract: Using a new quantitative immunofluorometric procedure, we measured cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin G levels in 59 patients and compared the results with values obtained by the most precise currently available method--the immunoprecipitin method of Kabat--and a radial immunodiffusion technique. The absolute immunoglobulin G values determined by the fluorometric assay correlated closely with the other methods. This technique offers several advantages over most conventional techniques for measuring low levels of immunoglobulin G: (1) Small, drop-sized (5 to 10 micronl) samp les of cerebrospinal fluid are used, (2) a large number of samples can be tested, (3) the range of sensitivity is sufficiently wide that cerebrospinal fluid and serum levels can be determined simultaneously, and (4) the technique is fast, requiring 3.5 hours to perform. The fluorometric method is rapid, reproducible, and easy. It suitability for laboratories engaged in the measurement of cerebrospinal fluid immunoglobulin G appears promising.
mesh_terms: D005470:Fluorometry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000134:cerebrospinal fluid*; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology
chemical_list: D007074:Immunoglobulin G