Dementia, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Serum
Use
Investigating new onset dementia and cognitive impairment plus accompanying symptoms such as rapid onset and progression, fluctuating course, psychiatric features, movement disorders, headaches, and autoimmune stigmata. This test is useful for detecting autoimmune dementia, which may be misdiagnosed as neurodegenerative disorders. It helps identify conditions that are potentially responsive to immunotherapy, with testing focusing on neural autoantibodies in serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to infer autoimmune etiology and potential paraneoplastic causes.
Special Instructions
This test should not be requested for patients who have recently received radioisotopes either therapeutically or diagnostically, as there may be potential assay interference. It's essential to provide relevant clinical information and details of the ordering healthcare professional. A necessary waiting period is advised for radioisotopes to decay before specimen collection.
Limitations
The test relies on identifying the presence of neural autoantibodies and may have limitations in patients who have conditions that mimic autoimmune dementia. Some antibodies are better detected in CSF than in serum; in circumstances where serum tests are negative, CSF testing may be more informative. An incomplete antibody profile may result in missed diagnoses, hence complete panels are recommended for comprehensive analysis.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Multiplex Protein Panel)
Biomarkers
Result Turnaround Time
14-21 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
4 mL
Minimum Volume
2.5 mL
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial. Use a red top tube as preferred or a serum gel tube as acceptable for collection.
Patient Preparation
Specimen collection should be undertaken before starting immunosuppressant medication or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) treatment. Avoid use of general anesthetics or muscle-relaxant drugs 24 hours before collection.
Causes for Rejection
Reject if there is gross hemolysis, gross lipemia, or gross icterus.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 72 hours |
| Refrigerated | 28 days |
| Frozen | 28 days |