What is MS?
The term “Multiple Sclerosis” refers to the many areas of scarring (sclerosis) resulting from destruction of the tissues covering the nerves (the myelin sheath). The process is called demyelination. Sometimes, the nerve fibers that send messages (the axons) are also damaged. 

Why is it difficult to diagnose MS?
MS patients usually start with only one or two symptoms, which the patient usually thinks is something else. Then, the patient can be symptom free for a period of time or can experience mild symptoms, and not be concerned about them. Moreover, MS symptoms have similar symptoms to other diseases, and physicians need to “rule out” these other diseases. Lastly, while MRI and other tests improved the diagnosis of MS, they are not 100% accurate, and it may take several years and multiple tests to determine whether a patient has MS.

What is the gMS^®Dx test?
The gMS^® are a family of blood tests. They are tools allowing the physician to diagnose MS patients and to detect patients with more risk to a severe disease. gMS^®Dx is a “rule in” test to be used as part of the diagnostic work-up of MS suspected patients. When used together with standard clinical assessment, gMS^®Dx tests can assist your doctor in determining whether you have MS, and also in determining if you have a high probability for rapid disease progression at the time your blood was drawn.

How does the gMS^®Dx test work?
Glycominds has identified a specific antibody that circulates in the blood stream. High levels of this antibody are present in people with Multiple Sclerosis. Testing shows that this antibody is specific to MS and is not associated with other neurological diseases. In addition, more active forms of MS have a much higher level of this antibody than others. This indicator is known as a 'biomarker' for a specific disease.

Glycominds is the developer of the gMS^®Dx test which helps physicians identify patients likely to have MS after the first neurological event.

Has the gMS^®Dx test been clinically proven?
The gMS^®Dx test is the first validated serologic biomarker test for Multiple Sclerosis. The test has been validated by several different studies in several countries.

Why should I request my physician orders a gMS^® test for me? If you have determined that you may be a potential candidate for the gMS^® tests, you may want to talk with your doctor about the possibility of getting tested.

How can I get tested?
The gMS^® tests are performed on serum separated from your blood after regular blood draw. Similar to other laboratory tests, the gMS^® tests must be prescribed by an authorized healthcare provider. You will either be sent to a lab, or a phlebotomist will make arrangements to come to your home to draw a blood sample.

What do the gMS^® tests cost?
If you and your doctor agree that the test is right for you, you will want to find out if the test is covered by your insurance. For insured patients, there is no deductible.
For Medicare & Medicaid, you will be charged only for regular co-pay.

What if my insurance plan does not pay?
For uninsured patients, we may be able to assist you via our financial assistance program. For any further questions on this please call 1-800-643-4906.

How much time does it take to obtain results?
After the patient blood sample has been drawn by a phlebotomist, the sample is sent to our laboratory for processing. Results are sent to the prescribing physician in less than a week after reception of the sample.

Where can I see the results?
Only the prescribing physician receives the test results. Patients need to contact their doctor in order to obtain this information.

What is the meaning of positive gMS^®Dx test results?
A positive test greatly enhances the certainty that a patient has MS.

What is the meaning of negative gMS^®Dx test results?
The test is not a “rule out” test. The physician needs to decide alternative methods in order to establish a diagnostic.