Epilepsy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
Use
This test is useful for investigating new onset cryptogenic epilepsy with incomplete seizure control and duration of fewer than 2 years using spinal fluid specimens. It is also applicable for cases of new onset cryptogenic epilepsy coupled with symptoms such as psychiatric accompaniments, movement disorder, headache, cognitive impairment, and systemic autoimmune stigmata. Additionally, it is helpful in investigating seizures that occur within a context of subacute multifocal neurological disorders without obvious causes, especially in patients with a history of cancer.
Special Instructions
Multiple neurological phenotype-specific autoimmune/paraneoplastic evaluations are available. When ordering more than one evaluation simultaneously under the same order number, duplicates will be canceled. Provide relevant clinical information along with the ordering healthcare professional's details. If not ordering electronically, a Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request form should accompany the specimen.
Limitations
Autoantibody testing can help diagnose autoimmune epilepsy, characterized by the detection of neural autoantibodies in serum or CSF. However, no single antibody is specific for this diagnosis. Failure to detect a neural antibody does not exclude the diagnosis of autoimmune epilepsy when other clinical clues exist, and a trial of immunotherapy is justified in such cases.
New York Approved
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
Not provided.
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Cerebrospinal Fluid
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
2 mL
Container
Sterile vial
Collection Instructions
Preferred collection vial number 1; any collection vial is acceptable.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated (preferred): 28 days; Ambient: 72 hours; Frozen: 28 days.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, and gross icterus.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |