At the time of blood drawing, each family member is interviewed in detail, with a focus on family history of neurologic and other medical disorders. Diagnostic uncertainties are more important in MS than in most other neurological disorders. There is no single laboratory test that is diagnostic and a precise analysis of the clinical presentation, neurological examination, and laboratory evaluation is essential to a correct diagnosis. We have found that only one-third of multiplex families who initially present to us with a diagnosis of familial MS fit our selection criteria. The quality of the clinical dataset developed for this Repository is unique.
Every possible method is used to minimize errors.
Laboratory methods to ensure sample integrity are in place. One focus for quality control is on identifying non-paternity or sample error via genetic marker genotypes, including HLA typing. HLA-DR typing and disease status at time of ascertainment will be available to the investigators. The families will remain anonymous. The clinical records of all affected family members are carefully reviewed to establish a high level of diagnostic certainty.