New MS Blood Test Explained | What the Octave Test Can Tell You

Is this symptom from my MS… or something else? If you've ever asked yourself that, this episode is for you. In this episode, I'm sitting down with Jennifer Chester, APRN, MSCN, a neurology nurse practitioner and Multiple Sclerosis Certified Nurse. We're talking about MS blood biomarkers and a newer blood test that measures multiple sclerosis disease activity. This isn't a textbook explanation. It's "here's what this test is, what it can tell you, and how to bring it up with your neurologist." Here's what we cover 🔑: What are biomarkers? A biomarker is something measurable in your body that gives clues about what's happening inside it. For people with MS, certain proteins in the blood can reflect inflammation and nerve activity. That gives your care team another piece of the puzzle besides your symptoms. How the MS Disease Activity (MSDA) Test works. Jennifer walks through what the Octave MSDA Test measures, what the process looks like, and what your results mean. MS relapse vs. pseudo-relapse. A pseudo-relapse is a temporary return of old symptoms, often triggered by heat, infection, stress, or fatigue, without new MS activity behind it. Knowing the difference matters because it can change what you and your neurologist decide to do next. Blood test vs. MRI. MRI is still a key tool for monitoring MS. We talk about how a blood test may pick up changes in disease activity that don't show up on a scan, and how the two can work together. How to talk to your neurologist. You'll get practical tips for asking about this test as part of your regular MS monitoring, so you can walk into your next appointment feeling prepared. This episode is for you if: ✅ You've wondered whether a new symptom is MS activity or something else ✅ You're newly diagnosed and want to understand your monitoring options ✅ You've been living with MS for years and want more information between MRIs ✅ You want to feel more confident speaking up for yourself at appointments ✅ You want to understand the why behind your care, not just be told what to do You deserve clear answers about what's happening in your body. The more you understand, the more confident you can feel making decisions with your healthcare team. You're not alone in this 🧡 About Jennifer Chester  Jennifer Chester is a nurse practitioner with over a decade of experience in MS care who now works at Octave Bioscience, helping bring a brand-new blood test to people with MS, and it's one that can actually measure disease activity in real time. (One important note, this text is only available in the US). Where to reach Jennifer & Octave Bioscience: YouTube: https://youtube.com/@eventsoctave?si=... Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OctaveBiosci... Website: https://www.octavebio.com/ Resources mentioned in this episode: Conversation guide for your doctor: https://www.octavebio.com/patients Your Next Steps: 💡 Free 5 Day MS Strength Challenge: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/... 💡 Free Walking Webinar: https://www.doctorgretchenhawley.com/... Find more tips from me! ★The MSing Link Podcast: https://link.chtbl.com/MSingLinkPodcast ★ Instagram: / doctor.gretchen ★ Facebook: / doctor.gretchen ★ Facebook Group: / Multiple Sclerosis Wellness & Support Ready to feel more confident in your MS exercise routine? → Learn about, and see behind the scenes of, my Online MS Wellness Program: http://www.MSingLink.com For additional information and resources, visit https://www.drgretchenhawley.com/ These videos do not provide medical advice and are for informational/educational purposes only. The videos are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any of our videos.