Axonal Neuropathy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Serum
Use
This test is useful for the evaluation of patients who present with a subacute neurological disorder of undetermined etiology, especially those with known risk factors for cancer. It aids in directing a focused search for cancer, investigating neurological symptoms occurring during or after cancer therapy that aren't explained by metastasis, and distinguishing autoimmune neuropathies from neurotoxic effects of chemotherapy. Additionally, it serves to detect early signs of cancer recurrence in previously seropositive patients.
Special Instructions
Multiple phenotype-specific autoimmune/paraneoplastic evaluations are available. Ordering more than one evaluation under the same order number will lead to cancellation of duplicate tests. Avoid testing patients who have recently received radioisotopes due to potential assay interference. Specimens with radioactivity are held for 1 week and assessed for decay; they may be canceled if radioactivity persists.
Limitations
Negative results do not exclude cancer diagnosis. False positives may occur if blood is drawn after intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. Variability in symptoms and severity, some antibodies might not predict specific neurological syndromes. Subacute multifocal progression is usual, but the clinical presentation can vary greatly in scope and intensity.
New York Approved
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
Not provided.
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
Specimen collection is recommended prior to initiation of immunosuppressant medication or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |