Plasma Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP)
Use
The Plasma Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) test is used to measure the level of GFAP in plasma, which may provide information relevant to neurodegenerative diseases. GFAP is a protein expressed by numerous cell types of the central nervous system and is considered a biomarker of astrocyte activation and damage, which can be indicative of alterations occurring in the brain due to disease processes such as Alzheimer's disease or traumatic brain injury.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
The results of the Plasma GFAP test should be interpreted in the context of other clinical findings. Test reliability may be affected by improper sample handling such as exposure to room temperature or more than four freeze/thaw cycles. Grossly hemolytic, lipemic, or icteric samples will be rejected, as well as samples that arrive at room temperature.
Methodology
Immunoassay (CLEIA)
Biomarkers
Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein
Protein
Result Turnaround Time
7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Plasma
Volume
5 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Lavender-top EDTA tube
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in tube(s) with EDTA activator. Invert tubes 8 times to ensure complete mixing. Centrifuge tubes at 1800 - 2200 x g for 10-15 minutes. Draw off plasma (top layer) into aliquot tubes with pipette, ensuring not to take RBCs (middle/bottom layers).
Storage Instructions
Store aliquot tubes in refrigerator (2° C - 8° C) until shipping. Transport refrigerated or frozen.
Causes for Rejection
Grossly hemolytic, lipemic, or icteric. If the sample arrives at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 6 months |