Autoimmune Encephalopathy/Dementia Panel, Serum
Also known as: AIENCDEMS
Use
This test is used to evaluate new acute-to subacute-onset encephalopathy, dementia, or cognitive impairment. It is particularly useful when there is suspicion of autoimmune causes for these neurological conditions. The test includes multiple assays to detect various autoantibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis, which can provide important diagnostic information to guide treatment and management. Patients with positive findings may suffer from conditions related to voltage-gated potassium channel complex antibodies or related syndromes such as limbic encephalitis.
Special Instructions
Testing in both serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is recommended to maximize diagnostic yield. For comprehensive evaluation, the Autoimmune Encephalopathy/Dementia Panel, CSF (Test Code: 3006202) should be considered alongside the serum panel. In case of a positive result for specific antibodies, titer measurements will be added, and additional charges will apply.
Limitations
A negative test result does not entirely rule out a diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis or related autoimmune neurologic diseases. The interpretation of antibody findings should always be made in the context of the patient's clinical history and presentation. Certain antibodies might not be detected due to low sensitivity limits, and false negatives may occur. It is also possible for antibodies to be associated with more than one disease state, potentially complicating diagnostic specificity.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Cell-based / Cytometry)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 94385-2
- 56540-8
- 80221-5
- 61177-2
- 82979-6
- 82978-8
- 72504-4
- 82733-7
- 93428-1
- 82444-1
- 94676-4
- 96478-3
- 93498-4
- 82423-5
Result Turnaround Time
3-10 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL/aliquot
Container
Serum separator tube (SST)
Collection Instructions
Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer three 1 mL serum aliquots to ARUP standard transport tubes.
Causes for Rejection
Amniotic fluid, ocular fluid, peritoneal fluid, synovial fluid, CSF, or plasma. Contaminated, hemolyzed, icteric, or lipemic specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 24 hours |
| Refrigerated | 1 week |
| Frozen | 1 month (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles) |