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Real members of MyMSTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Anyone ever take this blood test for MS?

A MyMSTeam Member asked a question 💭
Los Angeles, CA

New to Texas. Had my first appointment with MS Specialist, neurologist. Did a test called, MSDA (Multiple Sclerosis Disease Activity) test is a blood test that measures 18 different proteins to help monitor a person's multiple sclerosis activity. It provides an overall disease activity score and four biological pathway scores (immunomodulation, neuroinflammation, myelin biology, and neuroaxonal integrity) to give clinicians an objective, real-time view of a patient's condition, which can support… read more

December 1, 2025
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Answer Summary

Members responded to a question about the MSDA blood test for monitoring MS activity, with most saying they had never heard of it but were... Read more

Members responded to a question about the MSDA blood test for monitoring MS activity, with most saying they had never heard of it but were eager to ask their neurologists about it at upcoming appointments. Several members shared that the test appears to be primarily available in the United States and is considered an emerging biomarker tool, with some noting it may be a similar or the same as the Octave test that measures proteins to help monitor disease progression. A recurring theme was curiosity and hope about this new testing option, though members outside the US in places like the UK, Canada, and Australia expressed disappointment that the test is not yet widely available in their countries.

A MyMSTeam Member

In case anyone is curious about it, Thank You ShannonB2 , I got curious

December 1, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

It's only like a "emerging biomarker tool". Just wondering who else have had it. Thanks for your replies!

December 1, 2025
MyMSTeam

Have you taken the MSDA blood test to monitor your MS activity?

The MSDA test you're describing sounds like an emerging biomarker tool. While traditional MS diagnosis relies on MRI, neurological exams, lumbar punctures, and blood tests to rule out other conditions, newer biomarker research is showing promise for monitoring Show Full Answer

Have you taken the MSDA blood test to monitor your MS activity?

The MSDA test you're describing sounds like an emerging biomarker tool. While traditional MS diagnosis relies on MRI, neurological exams, lumbar punctures, and blood tests to rule out other conditions, newer biomarker research is showing promise for monitoring disease activity and treatment effectiveness.

Blood tests have traditionally been used in MS care for two main purposes:

* Ruling out other conditions during diagnosis (like Lyme disease, lupus, or vitamin deficiencies)
* Monitoring safety before and during disease-modifying therapies (checking liver function, blood cell counts, and infection risk)

Research is advancing toward blood tests that can better differentiate between MS types and track treatment response. Some studies are exploring tests that measure specific proteins and nerve damage markers to give doctors real-time information about disease activity.

Your neurologist is likely using this test alongside other tools like MRI to get a more complete picture of your MS activity. This can help guide decisions about whether your current treatment is working or if adjustments might be needed.

If you're curious about what the results mean for your care, it's worth asking your specialist how they'll use this information in your treatment plan.

December 1, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

I'm still trying to find out if this blood test is in Australia
Thankyou dear ShannonB2
❤️ loves

December 12, 2025
A MyMSTeam Member

I found MSDA on internet
https://www.octavebio.com/patients/ but it's new for me

Patients - OctaveBio
Patients - OctaveBio
https://www.octavebio.com/patients/
December 1, 2025 (edited)

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