Referred to Berkshire & Surrey Pathology Services, Frimley Park Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Portsmouth Road, Frimley, Surrey GU16 7UJ
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Alternative names, keywords |
NMO antibody, neuromyelitis optica antibody, AQP4 antibody, anti-aquaporin 4 antibodies. |
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Samples required |
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Test indications |
Investigation of possible neuromyelitis optica. |
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Test information |
Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is the major autoantigen in neuromyelitis optica (NMO, or Devic's disease). Antibodies to AQP4 are found in >80% of NMO patients and around 50% of patients with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. They are infrequent in patients with optic neuritis without spinal cord involvement. Method: cell-based assay. |
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Reference range |
Not applicable. |
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Turnaround time |
Referral lab quotes turnaround time of 18 days, however additional time must be allowed for packing, dispatch and delivery of sample, and return and processing of results. |
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Enquiries |
Immunology (Referrals) |
Clotted blood (gold cap, 5 mL tube) Smaller tubes are available for paediatric samples.