Neuroimmunology Antibody Follow-up, Spinal Fluid
Use
Monitoring patients who have previously tested positive for 1 or more antibodies within the past 5 years in a Mayo Clinic Neuroimmunology Laboratory spinal fluid evaluation. These autoantibodies are indicative of paraneoplastic autoimmune neurological disorders, which reflect a patient's immune response to cancer. Such disorders may present with varied neurological signs and symptoms such as sensorimotor neuropathy, encephalopathy, cerebellar ataxia, and others. These serological markers help in evaluating cancer risk and guiding early diagnosis and treatment.
Special Instructions
This test is a follow-up for patients previously positive in a spinal fluid test. It should not be requested in patients who have recently received radioisotopes due to potential assay interference. The specific waiting period before specimen collection depends on the isotope, dose, and clearance rate. Radioactive specimens are screened and held for a week to allow decay, or the test may be canceled if radioactivity remains. Ordering may require completing the Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request if not ordered electronically.
Limitations
Patients who are seropositive typically exhibit a broad range of clinical disorders, potentially reflecting a variety of neurological syndromes and associated cancers. The autoimmune profile, through serological markers, has a predictive value but does not specify disorders. The presence of radioactivity in specimens, due to recent radioisotope exposure, can interfere with assay results, leading to potential delays or test cancellation if not sufficiently decayed.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
3-5 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 usage of vial number 1; however, any vial is acceptable.
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, gross icterus.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 28 days (preferred) |
| Frozen | 28 days |