Based on human myelin, the anti-MAG ELISA from BÜHLMANN is the most sensitive and specific assay on the market. It has been shown in a recent study involving 68 patients that the anti-MAG ELISA was considerably more sensitive as compared to Western Blot (Kuijf et al., 2009).
Furthermore, it is possible to measure even very low anti-MAG antibody titers but also to follow titers in patients under therapies such as Rituximab.

MAG is a constituent of peripheral and central nervous system Myelin. High titers of IgM anti-MAG antibodies are associated with sensory motor demyelinating peripheral neuropathy. Sensory symptoms tend to dominate early in disease, with motor symptoms occurring later. The possibility of MAG antibody involvement in a suspected neuropathy may essentially be ruled out if a MAG IgM negative result is obtained. A recent publication (Jaskowski et al. 2008) suggests that detection of MAG IgM antibody by ELISA based on human MAG (100 kD) antigen is significantly more sensitive and specific than MAG Western Blot and IFA assays using primate antigen.
Quantitation of anti-MAG antibody titers is an important aspect: on the one hand very low titers (otherwise negative in Western Blots) may be suggestive for a different neuropathy. On the other hand, new therapy concepts based on monoclonal antibodies (e g Rituximab) need a follow-up on anti-MAG antibody titers.

Accuracy: Pre-coated microtiter plates.

Specificity: The use of highly purified human MAG results in best likelihood to detect all positive patients.
Using microtiter plates with extremely low unspecific binding properties
No blocking proteins thus reducing the chance for false positive samples.
Reproducibility: Pre-measured standards and two controls ensure low inter-assay variation.

Standardization: Standard curve with standardized titer units.

Quantitation: Allowing therapy monitoring of therapeutic intervention (e.g. Rituximab).

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