Movement Disorder, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Serum
Use
This test is useful for evaluating patients with suspected paraneoplastic or other autoimmune movement disorders. It can help diagnose conditions such as ataxia, brainstem encephalitis, chorea, dyskinesias, myoclonus, and parkinsonism. The test detects autoantibodies in serum that target diverse neuronal and cellular proteins, assisting in distinguishing between autoimmune conditions and neurodegenerative disorders.
Special Instructions
Specimen collection is recommended before starting immunosuppressant medication or intravenous immunoglobulin treatment. The test should not be requested for patients who have recently received radioisotopes due to potential assay interference. Ensure clinical information, and contact details of the ordering healthcare professional are provided.
Limitations
The test has limitations regarding assay interference with potential radioactive specimens, which require a waiting period before collection depending on the isotope administered. Additionally, some antibodies detected might indicate a paraneoplastic cause, directing cancer investigation, whereas others, like GAD65, are less likely to be paraneoplastic, guiding treatment approaches.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA))
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
Not provided.
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
3 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Patient Preparation
For optimal antibody detection, specimen collection is recommended before starting immunosuppressant medication or intravenous immunoglobulin treatment.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |