Purkinje Cell Cytoplasmic Antibody Type 1 (PCA-1) Titer, Serum
Use
This test is useful for identifying female patients whose subacute cerebellar degeneration or peripheral neuropathy is due to a remote (autoimmune) effect of gynecologic or breast carcinoma. It helps in reporting an end titer result from serum specimens. Almost all (99%) seropositive patients are women, as PCA-1 is rarely found in males and almost exclusively associated with gynecologic or breast cancer.
Special Instructions
The test is not orderable directly and can only be performed as a reflex when the indirect immunofluorescence pattern suggests Purkinje cell cytoplasmic antibody type 1 (PCA-1), incurring an additional charge.
Limitations
PCA-1 is not found in any healthy subjects and is rarely found in patients with neurologic diseases without gynecologic or breast cancer. It is readily distinguished from PCA-Tr and PCA-2 through standardized staining criteria. If mammography returns negative results, exploratory laparotomy may be considered for ovarian carcinoma management. The antigen is rarely found without accompanying neurological dysfunction.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA))
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 94350-6
- 94350-6
Result Turnaround Time
6-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
Not provided
Minimum Volume
0.6 mL
Causes for Rejection
Gross hemolysis, Gross lipemia, Gross icterus
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |