Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include methods for detecting in vitro the presence in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs), and in serum or plasma, of antibodies reactive to and of lymphocytes that are responsive to CNS antigens associated with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These CNS antigens include, but are not limited to whole brain lysate and the myelin antigens myelin basic protein (MBP), myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG), MOG peptides (MOGps), proteolipid protein (PLP), and PLP peptides (PLPps). Stimulating PBMCs from patients with MS by CNS antigens cause B-lymphocytes to produce antibodies specific for CNS antigen, and causes T-lymphocytes to produce T-lymphocyte-specific cytokines, including interferon gamma (IFN-y), interleukin-2 (IL-2), or interleukin-17 (IL-17). In contrast, stimulating PBMCs from subjects without MS do not produce such responses.

Abstract: Embodiments of this invention include flatbed scanners that have a surface and have a plurality of light sources. Alternatively, a single light source can be moved in two dimensions relative to an object placed on the surface of the scanner. Other embodiments include a scan head that is moveable in two dimensions relative to the flat bed of the scanner. Further embodiments include one or more polarizing filters to reduce glare and increase the quality of a captured image. Theses scanners can be used to capture images of enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) substrates, plates having cultures thereon or other objects having irregular lower surfaces. Additional embodiments include methods for capturing images from ELISA substrates, bacterial culture plates, viral plaque assay plates and the like.