Neurofilament Light Protein (NFL)
Neurofilament Light Protein (NFL)
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Description
Through a blood test, we analyze your levels of neurofilament light protein (NFL) in the blood, which serves as an approximation of NFL levels in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). An abnormal NFL level in CSF is a marker for Alzheimer’s disease up to nine years before a formal diagnosis (1) and is also considered a risk factor for cognitive disorders (2).
NFL in CSF is a well-established marker that quantitatively reflects the degree of nerve damage within the central nervous system (CNS) and is used to assess and monitor neuronal degeneration in neurodegenerative diseases like MS, ALS, and various forms of dementia, as well as in other conditions causing CNS tissue damage. CSF-NFL levels peak 7-10 days after an injury and normalize within six months if no further damage occurs. In MS, a strong correlation has been observed between NFL levels and inflammatory cells, as well as inflammatory markers in CSF.
NFL leaks from the CNS into the bloodstream with a certain delay. As more sensitive testing methods have been developed, serum NFL levels have been shown to reflect nerve damage similarly to CSF-NFL. Although the concentration of NFL in serum is lower than in CSF, the levels are relatively linear in relation. Generally, the correlation between serum NFL and CSF NFL is moderate (3).
Response Routine
The analysis is performed by Karolinska University Laboratory every other week, with results typically provided within 10 days.
