Aquaporin-4 Antibodies by Live Cell-Based Assay (AQP4 CBA)
Use
The Aquaporin-4 Antibodies by Live Cell-Based Assay (AQP4 CBA) test is designed for the detection of Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibodies, which assists in diagnosing neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and differentiating neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) from multiple sclerosis. AQP4 antibodies are present in approximately 75% of NMO cases, and their detection is critical for accurate diagnosis, which usually requires evidence of acute myelitis and optic neuritis. Although a positive AQP4 antibody result can be diagnostic for NMO, a negative result does not exclude the possibility of NMO.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Neurocode in a CAP and CLIA certified laboratory, intended for clinical purposes. While a positive result for AQP4 antibodies is diagnostic, a negative result does not rule out an NMO diagnosis. Detection rates for AQP4 antibodies within NMO patients is approximately 75%, and diagnosis of NMO typically requires extensive clinical criteria beyond this one test.
Methodology
Cell-based / Cytometry
Biomarkers
Aquaporin-4
Antibody
Result Turnaround Time
7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
5 mL SST tube (gold-top)
Collection Instructions
No patient preparation is required for sample collection. Draw blood in tube(s) with SST activator (5mL gold top or 8.5mL tiger top). Invert tubes 8 times to ensure complete mixing.
Storage Instructions
Store Aliquot tubes in refrigerator (2°C - 8°C) until shipping.
Causes for Rejection
Grossly hemolytic, lipemic, or icteric samples and samples arriving at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | Up to 7 days |
| Frozen | Longer term storage at -20⁰C, avoid subsequent freeze thaws |