CSF myelin basic protein: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

P CSF myelin basic protein is a test to measure the level of myelin basic protein (MBP) in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
P The CSF is the clear liquid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.
P MBP is found in the material that covers many of your nerves.

T How the Test is Performed
P A sample of spinal fluid is needed. This is done using a lumbar puncture.

T Why the Test is Performed
P This test is done to see if myelin is breaking down. Multiple sclerosis is the most common cause for this, but other causes may include:
- Bleeding of the central nervous system
- Central nervous system trauma
- Certain brain diseases (encephalopathies)
- Infection of the central nervous system
- Stroke

T Normal Results
P In general, there should be less than 4 ng/mL of myelin basic protein in the CSF.
P Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Talk to your health care provider about the meaning of your specific test results.
P The example above shows the common measurement result for this test. Some laboratories use different measurements or may test different specimens.

T What Abnormal Results Mean
P Myelin basic protein levels between 4 and 8 ng/mL may be a sign of a long-term (chronic) breakdown of myelin. It may also indicate recovery from an acute episode of myelin breakdown.
P If the myelin basic protein level is greater than 9 ng/mL, myelin is actively breaking down.

T Images
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

T References
P Fabian MT, Krieger SC, Lublin FD. Multiple sclerosis and other inflammatory demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system. In: Daroff RB, Jankovic J, Mazziotta JC, Pomeroy SL, eds. Bradley's Neurology in Clinical Practice. 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2016:chap 80.
P Greene DN, Schmidt, RL, Wilson AR, Freedman MS, Grenache DG. Cerebrospinal fluid myelin basic protein is frequently ordered but has little value. Am J Clin Pathol. 2012;138(2):262-272 PMID: 22904139 www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22904139.
P Karcher DS, McPherson RA. Cerebrospinal, synovial, serous body fluids, and alternative specimens. In: McPherson RA, Pincus MR, eds. Henry's Clinical Diagnosis and Management by Laboratory Methods. 23rd ed. St Louis, MO: Elsevier; 2017:chap 29.

T Review Date 5/15/2017
P Updated by: Amit M. Shelat, DO, FACP, Attending Neurologist and Assistant Professor of Clinical Neurology, SUNY Stony Brook, School of Medicine, Stony Brook, NY. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.

