Tears may replace spinal taps for MS diagnosis
NCT ID NCT02016222
First seen Jun 27, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026
Summary
This study tests whether a tear sample can diagnose primary progressive multiple sclerosis (MS) as accurately as a spinal tap. Currently, doctors need to collect spinal fluid to confirm this type of MS, which is invasive and uncomfortable. Researchers will compare proteins in tears and spinal fluid from 80 adults with progressive MS to see if tears can serve as a reliable alternative.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
What this could lead to
If successful, this could lead to a simple, non-invasive tear test to diagnose primary progressive multiple sclerosis, avoiding the need for a spinal tap.
What could go wrong
This is an early-stage study with only 80 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. The tear test might not be accurate enough to replace the standard spinal fluid analysis.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Marseille
Marseille, 13354, France
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Centre hospitalier intercommunal
Poissy, 78303, France
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Centre hospitalier régional universitaire
Clermont-Ferrand, 63003, France
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Centre hospitalier régional universitaire
Lille, 59037, France
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Centre hospitalier régional universtaire
Strasbourg, 67091, France
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Centre hospitalier universitaire
Caen, 14033, France
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Centre hospitalier universitaire
Dijon, 21079, France
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Centre hospitalier universitaire
Nancy, 54035, France
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Centre hospitalier universitaire
Nîmes, 30029, France
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Centre hospitalier universitaire (CHU), Nice
Nice, Alpes Maritimes, 06003, France
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Centre hospitaliere universitaire
Bordeaux, 33404, France
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Groupement des Hôpitaux de l'Institut Catholique de Lille (GHICL)
Lille, Nord, 59000, France
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Hospices civils de Lyon
Lyon, 69229, France