Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid Type A (GABA-A) Receptor Antibody, Cell-Binding Assay, Serum
Use
Evaluating patients with suspected autoimmune encephalitis and autoimmune epilepsy using serum specimens. Gamma-amino butyric acid type A (GABA-A) receptor autoantibodies are highly predictive of GABA-A receptor autoimmune encephalitis. Patients who are seropositive for GABA-A receptor encephalitis have characteristic clinical-radiologic presentations including frequent seizures and multifocal lesions in the white matter. Majority of patients are treatable with immunotherapy.
Special Instructions
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request (T732) with the specimen.
Limitations
Negative results do not exclude the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis. Only 2% of autoimmune encephalitis cases are associated with autoantibodies against gamma-amino butyric acid type A receptor.
New York Approved
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 101874-6
- 101874-6
Result Turnaround Time
5-10 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.25 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |