Methods, antibodies and kits for detecting cerebrospinal fluid in a sample

1. An isolated monoclonal antibody that specifically binds to VQPNFQPDKFLGC (SEQ ID NO:1), wherein the monoclonal antibody binds native lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase (L-PGDS).

2. A hybridoma producing the monoclonal antibody of claim 1 .

3. The hybridoma of claim 2 , selected from the group consisting of clone 12 (Deposit # PTA-11691) and clone 45 (Deposit # PTA-11692).

4. An immunoassay device suitable for detecting the presence or absence of cerebrospinal fluid in a sample suspected of containing cerebrospinal fluid, comprising:

a support comprising a first monoclonal antibody according to claim 1 .

5. The immunoassay device of claim 4 , wherein the support comprises:

a sample region comprising a mobile indicator suitable for binding L-PDGS in fluid communication with

a detection region comprising a fixed indicator suitable for binding to L-PDGS,

wherein the mobile indicator, the fixed indicator, or both, comprises the monoclonal antibody according to claim 1 .

6. The immunoassay device of claim 5 , further comprising a control region in fluid communication with the sample region and the detection region, wherein the control region comprises a positive control.

7. The immunoassay device of claim 4 , wherein the support comprises:

a sample zone comprising the first monoclonal antibody according to claim 1 , wherein the first monoclonal antibody is not fixed to the support;

a test zone comprising a second monoclonal or polyclonal antibody to lipocalin-type prostaglandin D2 synthase immobilized to the support; and

a control zone comprising a control antibody,

wherein the sample zone, the test zone and the control zone are in fluid communication.

8. A kit comprising

the monoclonal antibody of claim 1 , and

instructions for determining whether the sample contains L-PGDS.