Movement Disorder, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
Use
This test is pivotal for evaluating patients with suspected paraneoplastic or other autoimmune movement disorders. It is particularly useful in cases presenting with ataxia, brainstem encephalitis, chorea, dyskinesias, myoclonus, and parkinsonism. By utilizing spinal fluid specimens, the test identifies diverse autoantibody targets, including neuronal surface proteins and antibodies against intracellular antigens. These findings can help distinguish autoimmune movement disorders from neurodegenerative processes such as Huntington disease and guide treatment decisions and potentially direct cancer screening in paraneoplastic cases.
Special Instructions
Multiple neurological phenotype-specific evaluations are available, and tests will be canceled if duplicates are ordered. It is important to provide relevant clinical information and professional details during ordering. The collection of specimens is recommended before the initiation of any treatment that could suppress the sensitive detection of antibodies, such as immunosuppressants or corticosteroids.
Limitations
The test's sensitivity is contingent upon sample collection prior to treatment with any immunosuppressant medication, corticosteroids, or intravenous immunoglobulin therapies, which can obscure antibody detection. The test cannot differentiate between paraneoplastic and non-paraneoplastic causes on its own; interpretation must be done considering clinical context and other diagnostic findings.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA))
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
10-15 days
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; Acceptable: Any collection vial
Patient Preparation
Specimen collection is recommended before initiation of immunosuppressant medication, or corticosteroid 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 |