Neurofilament Light Chain details
What Neurofilament Light Chain shows
Neurofilament light chain (NfL) is a structural protein found inside nerve cells, released into the blood and spinal fluid when nerve cells are damaged, regardless of the specific cause. It's an emerging blood-based marker being increasingly studied and used to help monitor neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis (where it can help track disease activity and treatment response) and is being researched in various neurodegenerative conditions, including Alzheimer's and ALS. Because it reflects general nerve cell injury rather than a specific diagnosis, it's used alongside clinical evaluation and imaging rather than as a standalone diagnostic test.
Tests that include Neurofilament Light Chain
This tests measures level of neurofilament light chain (NfL) protein in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid. Elevated levels of NfL are indicative of neuronal damage and are used as a biomarker for various neurological conditions, including multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Alzheimer’s disease, and other neurodegenerative disorders. This test provides valuable insights into disease progression, prognosis, and response to treatment in patients with neurological diseases.
- Neurofilament Light Chain A protein released when nerve cells are damaged. An emerging marker studied in neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative disease.
Neurofilament light (NfL) is an intermediate filament protein found specifically in the neuronal cytoskeleton. It can be released into the extracellular space through axonal degradation, and it has been shown that varying NfL levels are an indicator of neuroaxonal damage, irrespective of the cause, and can therefore be associated with a variety of neurological diseases such as multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, frontotemporal dementia, or Alzheimer's disease, as well as acute situations such as traumatic brain injury and others. NfL is thus considered a promising biomarker for, disease activity, progression, prognosis, and monitoring effectiveness of therapies. As NfL can be measured in both cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood, it holds great potential for routine clinical use.
- Neurofilament Light Chain A protein released when nerve cells are damaged. An emerging marker studied in neurological conditions like multiple sclerosis and neurodegenerative disease.
Not sure how to read your results? We can help.
Schedule a consultation with a Hormunity specialist. We’ll walk through every marker, interpret what it means for you, and map out the next steps for your care.
Book a specialist