Myelopathy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
Use
The test is useful for evaluating patients with suspected autoimmune myelopathy, myelitis, and paraneoplastic myelopathy using spinal fluid specimens. It assists in diagnosing autoimmune causes of myelopathy, distinguishing paraneoplastic or idiopathic autoimmune myelopathy from other causes such as multiple sclerosis, sarcoidosis, or vascular disease. Early diagnosis may lead to prompt initiation of immune therapies or help in early cancer detection.
Special Instructions
Provide relevant clinical information and details of the ordering healthcare professional. Specimen collection should prioritize collection vial number 1, or any collection vial if necessary. Duplicate tests in the same order will be canceled, and a complete Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request form should accompany the specimen if not ordering electronically.
Limitations
This evaluation requires spinal fluid specimens for accurate assessment. Gross hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus may lead to specimen rejection. The test includes various assays that may have reflex testing based on the patterns observed, which could incur additional charges as necessary. It may not detect antibodies not included in the profile.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (IFA)
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, preferred collection vial number 1
Collection Instructions
Use collection vial number 1 if possible; any collection vial is acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Reject specimens with gross hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |