Epilepsy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Serum
Use
This test is useful for investigating new onset cryptogenic epilepsy with incomplete seizure control and a duration of less than 2 years. It helps in cases where there is accompanying psychiatric symptoms, movement disorders, headaches, cognitive impairment, autoimmune stigmata, a history of cancer, or cancer risk factors. Detecting a rising autoantibody titer in previously seropositive patients can suggest cancer recurrence. This evaluation is particularly helpful for seizures occurring within a subacute multifocal neurological disorder context without an obvious cause, especially in patients with a past or family history of cancer.
Special Instructions
The test should not be requested for patients who have recently received radioisotopes due to potential assay interference. Specimens will be screened for radioactivity before analysis and, if found radioactive, will be held until safe or canceled if not sufficiently decayed. Provide relevant clinical information and healthcare professional's contact details when ordering.
Limitations
Seizures that are the exclusive manifestation of autoimmune encephalopathy might not be identified if testing is selective for specific autoantibodies. Detecting neural autoantibodies does not exclude other causes of epilepsy, and the absence of these antibodies does not entirely exclude autoimmune epilepsy. The detection of autoantibodies might be more sensitive and specific based on sample type, indicating that both serum and CSF testing might be necessary.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (IFA)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
2-5 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
2.5 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 |