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Updated: Mar 17, 2026
A High Throughput, Multiplexed and Targeted Proteomic CSF Assay to Quantify Neurodegenerative Biomarkers and Apolipoprotein E Isoforms Status
Published on: October 20, 2016
Multicenter validation of CSF neurofilaments as diagnostic biomarkers for ALS
Patrick Oeckl1, Claude Jardel2, François Salachas3
1a Department of Neurology , Ulm University Hospital , 89081 Ulm , Germany ;
Objective:
Neurofilaments are leading neurochemical biomarkers for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Here, we investigated the effect of preanalytical factors on neurofilament concentrations in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a "reverse" round-robin with 15 centers across Europe/U.S.
Methods:
Samples from ALS and control patients (5/5 each center, n = 150) were analyzed for phosphorylated neurofilament heavy chain (pNfH) and neurofilament light chain (NfL) at two laboratories.
Results:
CSF pNfH was increased (p < 0.05) in ALS in 10 out of 15 centers and NfL in 5 out of 12 centers. The coefficient of variation (CV%) of pNfH measurements between laboratories was 18.7 ± 19.1%. We calculated a diagnostic cut-off of >568.5 pg/mL for pNfH (sensitivity 78.7%, specificity 93.3%) and >1,431pg/mL for NfL (sensitivity 79.0%, specificity 86.4%).
Conclusion:
Values in ALS patients are already comparable between most centers, supporting eventual implementation into clinical routine. However, continuous quality control programs will be necessary for inclusion in the diagnostic work-up.
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