Phospholipase A2 Receptor, Immunofluorescence, Serum

Casandra

Casandra Test Code MC65292Version 1 (DRAFT)

Performing Lab

Lab Mayo Clinic LabLab Test ID PLA2ICPT Code 86255

Phospholipase A2 Receptor, Immunofluorescence, Serum

Clinical Use

Use

This test is useful for distinguishing primary from secondary membranous nephropathy in patients with low levels of anti-phospholipase A2 receptor (PLA2R) antibodies. It can be used for screening for anti-PLA2R antibodies and for monitoring patients with membranous nephropathy who have very low antibody titers. The presence of anti-PLA2R antibodies is highly specific for the diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy, and 70% to 75% of patients with primary membranous nephropathy are positive for anti-PLA2R.

Special Instructions

This test can be used in a complementary fashion with a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to confirm a positive result, particularly in low-level titers. The immunofluorescence assay is more sensitive and is used to detect or monitor patients with low level antibodies not detected by ELISA. If not ordering electronically, complete and send the Kidney Transplant Test Request or Renal Diagnostics Test Request forms with the specimen.

Limitations

This test should not be used as a stand-alone test. A diagnosis of primary or secondary membranous nephropathy should not be based solely on this test result. Clinical symptoms, results from physical examinations, and other laboratory tests should be considered when diagnosing primary versus secondary membranous nephropathy. The absence of circulating anti-PLA2R autoantibodies does not rule out primary membranous nephropathy. Specimen issues such as gross hemolysis may cause the specimen to be rejected. Gross lipemia is acceptable, however.

Test Details

New York Approved