Ordering Guidance

On June 1st, this test will become obsolete. To provide focused patient care, consider ordering a comprehensive neurological phenotype-specific autoimmune/paraneoplastic evaluation (eg, encephalopathy, movement disorders, myelopathy, axonal neuropathy). For more information, consult the autoimmune neurology evolution web page.

This test no longer contains all known, clinically relevant antibodies for patients suspected of autoimmune neurological disorders. Instead, consider a comprehensive neurological phenotype-specific autoimmune/paraneoplastic evaluation (eg, encephalopathy, movement disorders, myelopathy, axonal neuropathy). For more information as well as phenotype-specific testing options, refer to Autoimmune Neurology Test Ordering Guide or the Neurology specialty website.

This test should not be requested for patients who have recently received radioisotopes, therapeutically or diagnostically, because of potential assay interference. The specific waiting period before specimen collection will depend on the isotope administered, the dose given, and the clearance rate in the individual patient. Specimens will be screened for radioactivity prior to analysis. Radioactive specimens received in the laboratory will be held 1 week and assayed if sufficiently decayed or canceled if radioactivity remains.

Necessary Information

Provide the following information:

-Relevant clinical information

-Ordering healthcare professional's name, phone number, mailing address, and email address

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation: For optimal antibody detection, specimen collection is recommended before starting immunosuppressant medication or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg) treatment.

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Collection Container/Tube:

Preferred: Red top

Acceptable: Serum gel

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 4 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.