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HelpTest ID ENS2 Encephalopathy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Serum
Ordering Guidance
Multiple neurological phenotype-specific autoimmune/paraneoplastic evaluations are available. For more information as well as phenotype-specific testing options, see Autoimmune Neurology Test Ordering Guide.
When more than one evaluation is ordered on the same order number, the duplicate test will be canceled.
For a list of antibodies performed with each evaluation, see Autoimmune Neurology Antibody Matrix.
This test is intended to be ordered for adult patients. If this test is ordered for a patient younger than 18 years of age, it will be canceled and automatically reordered by the laboratory as PCDES / Pediatric Autoimmune Encephalopathy/CNS Disorder Evaluation, Serum. The pediatric autoimmune CNS disorders evaluation is part of an evolving approach to testing for autoimmune neurological disorders using phenotypic-specific evaluations that include multiple antibodies known for their disease association.
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 provider name, phone number, mailing address, and e-mail address
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For optimal antibody detection, specimen collection is recommended prior to initiation of immunosuppressant medication or intravenous immunoglobulin 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.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send 1 of the following with the specimen:
-Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request (T732)
-General Test Request (T239)
Useful For
Evaluating new onset encephalopathy (noninfectious or metabolic) comprising confusional states, psychosis, delirium, memory loss, hallucinations, movement disorders, sensory or motor complaints, seizures, dyssomnias, ataxias, nausea, vomiting, inappropriate antidiuresis, coma, dysautonomias, or hypoventilation using serum specimens
The following accompaniments should increase of suspicion for autoimmune encephalopathy:
-Headache
-Autoimmune stigmata (personal or family history or signs of diabetes mellitus, thyroid disorder, vitiligo, poliosis [premature graying], myasthenia gravis, rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus)
-History of cancer
-Smoking history (20 or more pack-years) or other cancer risk factors
-Inflammatory cerebral spinal fluid (or isolated protein elevation)
-Neuroimaging signs suggesting inflammation
Evaluating limbic encephalitis (noninfectious)
Directing a focused search for cancer
Investigating encephalopathy appearing during or after cancer therapy and not explainable by metastasis or drug effect
Profile Information
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| AEESI | Encephalopathy, Interpretation, S | No | Yes |
| AMPCS | AMPA-R Ab CBA, S | No | Yes |
| AMPHS | Amphiphysin Ab, S | No | Yes |
| AGN1S | Anti-Glial Nuclear Ab, Type 1 | No | Yes |
| ANN1S | Anti-Neuronal Nuclear Ab, Type 1 | No | Yes |
| ANN2S | Anti-Neuronal Nuclear Ab, Type 2 | No | Yes |
| ANN3S | Anti-Neuronal Nuclear Ab, Type 3 | No | Yes |
| CS2CS | CASPR2-IgG CBA, S | No | Yes |
| CRMS | CRMP-5-IgG, S | No | Yes |
| DPPCS | DPPX Ab CBA, S | No | Yes |
| GABCS | GABA-B-R Ab CBA, S | No | Yes |
| GD65S | GAD65 Ab Assay, S | Yes | Yes |
| GFAIS | GFAP IFA, S | No | Yes |
| GL1IS | mGluR1 Ab IFA, S | No | Yes |
| IG5CS | IgLON5 CBA, S | No | Yes |
| LG1CS | LGI1-IgG CBA, S | No | Yes |
| NCDIS | Neurochondrin IFA, S | No | Yes |
| NIFIS | NIF IFA, S | No | Yes |
| NMDCS | NMDA-R Ab CBA, S | No | Yes |
| PCABP | Purkinje Cell Cytoplasmic Ab Type 1 | No | Yes |
| PCAB2 | Purkinje Cell Cytoplasmic Ab Type 2 | No | Yes |
| PCATR | Purkinje Cell Cytoplasmic Ab Type Tr | No | Yes |
| PDEIS | PDE10A Ab IFA, S | No | Yes |
| SP7IS | Septin-7 IFA, S | No | Yes |
| T46IS | TRIM46 Ab IFA, S | No | Yes |
Reflex Tests
| Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
|---|---|---|---|
| AGNBS | AGNA-1 Immunoblot, S | No | No |
| AINCS | Alpha Internexin CBA, S | No | No |
| AMPIS | AMPA-R Ab IF Titer Assay, S | No | No |
| AMIBS | Amphiphysin Immunoblot, S | No | No |
| AN1BS | ANNA-1 Immunoblot, S | No | No |
| AN2BS | ANNA-2 Immunoblot, S | No | No |
| CRMWS | CRMP-5-IgG Western Blot, S | Yes | No |
| DPPTS | DPPX Ab IFA Titer, S | No | No |
| GABIS | GABA-B-R Ab IF Titer Assay, S | No | No |
| GFACS | GFAP CBA, S | No | No |
| GFATS | GFAP IFA Titer, S | No | No |
| IG5TS | IgLON5 IFA Titer, S | No | No |
| GL1CS | mGluR1 Ab CBA, S | No | No |
| GL1TS | mGluR1 Ab IFA Titer, S | No | No |
| NFHCS | NIF Heavy Chain CBA, S | No | No |
| NIFTS | NIF IFA Titer, S | No | No |
| NFLCS | NIF Light Chain CBA, S | No | No |
| NMDIS | NMDA-R Ab IF Titer Assay, S | No | No |
| PC1BS | PCA-1 Immunoblot, S | No | No |
| PCTBS | PCA-Tr Immunoblot, S | No | No |
| AGNTS | AGNA-1 Titer, S | No | No |
| APHTS | Amphiphysin Ab Titer, S | No | No |
| AN1TS | ANNA-1 Titer, S | No | No |
| AN2TS | ANNA-2 Titer, S | No | No |
| AN3TS | ANNA-3 Titer, S | No | No |
| CRMTS | CRMP-5-IgG Titer, S | No | No |
| NCDCS | Neurochondrin CBA, S | No | No |
| NCDTS | Neurochondrin IFA Titer, S | No | No |
| PC1TS | PCA-1 Titer, S | No | No |
| PC2TS | PCA-2 Titer, S | No | No |
| PCTTS | PCA-Tr Titer, S | No | No |
| SP7CS | Septin-7 CBA, S | No | No |
| SP7TS | Septin-7 IFA Titer, S | No | No |
| PDETS | PDE10A Ab IFA Titer, S | No | No |
| T46CS | TRIM46 Ab CBA, S | No | No |
| T46TS | TRIM46 Ab IFA Titer, S | No | No |
Testing Algorithm
To determine the necessity of laboratory testing for patients with suspected autoimmune encephalitis, epilepsy or dementia, see the Antibody Prevalence in Epilepsy and Encephalopathy (APE2) scorecard.
If client requests or if the immunofluorescence (IFA) patterns suggest collapsin response-mediator protein-5-IgG (CRMP-5-IgG), then the CRMP-5-IgG IFA titer and CRMP-5-IgG Western blot will be performed at an additional charge.
If the IFA patterns suggest amphiphysin antibody, then the amphiphysin IFA titer and amphiphysin immunoblot will be performed at an additional charge.
If the IFA pattern suggests antiglial nuclear antibody (AGNA)-1, then the AGNA-1 IFA titer and AGNA-1 immunoblot will be performed at an additional charge.
If the IFA pattern suggests antineuronal nuclear antibody type 1 (ANNA-1), then the ANNA-1 IFA titer, ANNA-1 immunoblot, and ANNA-2 immunoblot will be performed at an additional charge.
If the IFA pattern suggests ANNA-2 antibody, then the ANNA-2 IFA titer, ANNA-2 immunoblot, and ANNA-1 immunoblot will be performed at an additional charge.
If the client requests or the IFA pattern suggests ANNA-3 antibodies, then the ANNA-3 titer will be performed at an additional charge.
If the IFA pattern suggests Purkinje cytoplasmic antibody type 1 (PCA-1), then the PCA-1 IFA titer and PCA-1 immunoblot will be performed at an additional charge.
If IFA pattern suggests PCA-Tr antibody, then the PCA-Tr IFA titer and PCA-Tr immunoblot will be performed at an additional charge.
If the IgLON5 antibody cell binding assay (CBA) result is positive, then the IgLON5 IFA titer will be performed at an additional charge.
If the AMPA (alpha-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid) receptor antibody CBA result is positive, then the AMPA-receptor antibody IFA titer assay will be performed at an additional charge.
If the gamma-aminobutyric acid B (GABA-B) receptor antibody CBA result is positive, then the GABA-B-receptor antibody IFA titer assay will be performed at an additional charge.
If the IFA pattern suggests glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) antibody, then the GFAP IFA titer and GFAP CBA will be performed at an additional charge.
If the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antibody CBA is positive, then the NMDA-receptor antibody IFA titer assay will be performed at an additional charge.
If the dipeptidyl-peptidase-like protein-6 (DPPX) antibody CBA result is positive, then the DPPX IFA titer will be performed at an additional charge.
If the IFA pattern suggests metabotropic glutamate receptor 1 (mGluR1) antibody, then the mGluR1 antibody CBA and mGluR1 IFA titer will be performed at an additional charge.
If the IFA pattern suggests neuronal intermediate filament (NIF) antibody, then the alpha internexin CBA, NIF heavy chain CBA, NIF light chain CBA, and NIF IFA titer will be performed at an additional charge.
If the IFA pattern suggests tripartite motif-containing protein 46 (TRIM46) antibody, then the TRIM46 antibody CBA and TRIM46 IFA titer will be performed at an additional charge.
If the IFA pattern suggests phosphodiesterase 10A (PDE10A) antibody, then the PDE10A antibody IFA titer will be performed at an additional charge.
For more information, see the following algorithms:
-Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Encephalopathy Evaluation Algorithm-Serum
-Central Nervous System Demyelinating Disease Diagnostic Algorithm
Method Name
AEESI: Medical Interpretation
AGN1S, AGNTS, AMPHS, APHTS, AMPIS, ANN1S, AN1TS, ANN2S, AN2TS, AN3TS, ANN3S, CRMS, CRMTS, DPPTS, GABIS, GFAIS, GFATS, IG5TS, GL1IS, GL1TS, NCDIS, NCDTS, NIFIS, NIFTS, NMDIS, PCABP, PC1TS, PCAB2, PC2TS, PCATR, PCTTS, PDEIS, PDETS, SP7IS, SP7TS, T46IS, T46TS: Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
AMPCS, CS2CS, DPPCS, GABCS, GFACS, IG5CS, LG1CS, GL1CS, NCDCS, AINCS, NFLCS, NFHCS, NMDCS, SP7CS, T46CS: Cell Binding Assay (CBA)
CRMWS: Western Blot (WB)
AGNBS, AMIBS, AN1BS, AN2BS, PC1BS, PCTBS: Immunoblot (IB)
GD65S: Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Reporting Name
Encephalopathy, Autoimm/Paraneo, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
2.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Clinical Information
Autoimmune encephalopathies extend beyond the classically recognized clinical and radiological spectrum of "limbic encephalitis." They encompass a diversity of neurological presentations with subacute or insidious onset, including confusional states, psychosis, delirium, memory loss, hallucinations, movement disorders, sensory or motor complaints, seizures, dyssomnias, ataxias, eye movement problems, nausea, vomiting, inappropriate antidiuresis, coma, dysautonomias, or hypoventilation. A diagnosis of autoimmune encephalopathy should be suspected based on the clinical course, coexisting autoimmune disorder (eg, thyroiditis, diabetes), serological evidence of autoimmunity, spinal fluid evidence of intrathecal inflammation, neuroimaging or electroencephalographic abnormalities, and favorable response to trial of immunotherapy.
Detection of one or more neural autoantibodies aids the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalopathy and may guide a search for cancer. Pertinent autoantibody specificities include:
-Neurotransmitter receptors and ion channels, such as neuronal voltage-gated potassium channels (and interacting synaptic and axonal proteins, leucine-rich glioma inactivated 1 [LGI1] protein and contactin associated protein 2 [CASPR2]), ionotropic glutamate receptors (N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor [NMDA] and 2-amino-3-[5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2- oxazol-4-yl] propanoic acid [AMPA]), metabotropic gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-B receptors
-Enzymes, signaling molecules, and RNA-regulatory proteins in the cytoplasm and nucleus of neurons (glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 [GAD65], collapsin response-mediator protein-5 neuronal [CRMP-5], antineuronal nuclear antibody-type 1 [ANNA-1], and ANNA-2)
Importantly, autoimmune encephalopathies are reversible. Misdiagnosis as a progressive (currently irreversible) neurodegenerative condition is not uncommon and has devastating consequences for the patient. Clinicians must consider the possibility of an autoimmune etiology in the differential diagnoses of encephalopathy. For example, a potentially reversible disorder justifies a trial of immunotherapy for the detection of neural autoantibodies in patients presenting with symptoms of personality change, executive dysfunction, and psychiatric manifestations.
A triad of clues helps to identify patients with an autoimmune encephalopathy:
1. Clinical presentation (subacute symptoms, onset rapidly progressive course, and fluctuating symptoms) and radiological findings consistent with inflammation
2. Detection of neural autoantibodies in serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
3. Favorable response to a trial of immunotherapy
Detection of neural autoantibodies in serum or CSF informs the physician of a likely autoimmune etiology, may heighten suspicion for a paraneoplastic basis, and guide the search for cancer. Neurological accompaniments of neural autoantibodies are generally not syndromic but diverse and multifocal. For example, LGI1 antibody was initially considered to be specific for autoimmune limbic encephalitis, but, over time, other presentations have been reported, including rapidly progressive course of cognitive decline mimicking neurodegenerative dementia. Comprehensive antibody testing is more informative than selective testing for 1 or 2 neural antibodies. Some antibodies strongly predict an underlying cancer. For example, small-cell lung carcinoma (ANNA-1, CRMP-5-IgG), ovarian teratoma (NMDA-R), and thymoma (CRMP-5 IgG).
An individual patient's profile autoantibody may be informative for a specific cancer type. For example, in a patient presenting with encephalitis who has CRMP 5 IgG, and subsequent testing reveals muscle acetylcholine receptor binding antibody, the findings should raise a high suspicion for thymoma. Testing of CSF for autoantibodies is particularly helpful when serum testing is negative, though in some circumstances testing both serum and CSF simultaneously is pertinent. Testing of CSF is recommended for some antibodies in particular (such as NMDA-R antibody and glial fibrillary acidic protein [GFAP]-IgG) because CSF testing is both more sensitive and specific. In contrast, serum testing for LGI1 antibody is more sensitive than CSF testing.
Reference Values
|
Test ID |
Reporting name |
Methodology* |
Reference value |
|
AEESI |
Encephalopathy, Interpretation, S |
Medical interpretation |
Interpretive report |
|
AMPCS |
AMPA-R Ab CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
AMPHS |
Amphiphysin Ab, S |
IFA |
Negative |
|
AGN1S |
Anti-Glial Nuclear Ab, Type 1 |
IFA |
Negative |
|
ANN1S |
Anti-Neuronal Nuclear Ab, Type 1 |
IFA |
Negative |
|
ANN2S |
Anti-Neuronal Nuclear Ab, Type 2 |
IFA |
Negative |
|
ANN3S |
Anti-Neuronal Nuclear Ab, Type 3 |
IFA |
Negative |
|
CS2CS |
CASPR2-IgG CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
CRMS |
CRMP-5-IgG, S |
IFA |
Negative |
|
DPPCS |
DPPX Ab CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
GABCS |
GABA-B-R Ab CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
GD65S |
GAD65 Ab Assay, S |
RIA |
≤0.02 nmol/L Reference values apply to all ages. |
|
GFAIS |
GFAP IFA, S |
IFA |
Negative |
|
GL1IS |
mGluR1 Ab IFA, S |
IFA |
Negative |
|
IG5CS |
IgLON5 CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
LG1CS |
LGI1-IgG CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
NCDIS |
Neurochondrin IFA, S |
IFA |
Negative |
|
NIFIS |
NIF IFA, S |
IFA |
Negative |
|
NMDCS |
NMDA-R Ab CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
PCABP |
Purkinje Cell Cytoplasmic Ab Type 1 |
IFA |
Negative |
|
PCAB2 |
Purkinje Cell Cytoplasmic Ab Type 2 |
IFA |
Negative |
|
PCATR |
Purkinje Cell Cytoplasmic Ab Type Tr |
IFA |
Negative |
|
PDEIS |
PDE10A Ab IFA, S |
IFA |
Negative |
|
SP7IS |
Septin-7 IFA, S |
IFA |
Negative |
|
T46IS |
TRIM46 IFA, S |
IFA |
Negative |
Reflex Information:
|
Test ID |
Reporting name |
Methodology* |
Reference value |
|
AGNBS |
AGNA-1 Immunoblot, S |
IB |
Negative |
|
AGNTS |
AGNA-1 Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
AINCS |
Alpha Internexin CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
AMPIS |
AMPA-R Ab IF Titer Assay, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
APHTS |
Amphiphysin Ab Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
AMIBS |
Amphiphysin Immunoblot, S |
IB |
Negative |
|
AN1BS |
ANNA-1 Immunoblot, S |
IB |
Negative |
|
AN1TS |
ANNA-1 Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
AN2BS |
ANNA-2 Immunoblot, S |
IB |
Negative |
|
AN2TS |
ANNA-2 Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
AN3TS |
ANNA-3 Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
CRMTS |
CRMP-5-IgG Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
CRMWS |
CRMP-5-IgG Western Blot, S |
WB |
Negative |
|
DPPTS |
DPPX Ab IFA Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
GABIS |
GABA-B-R Ab IF Titer Assay, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
GFACS |
GFAP CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
GFATS |
GFAP IFA Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
IG5TS |
IgLON5 IFA Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
GL1CS |
mGluR1 Ab CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
GL1TS |
mGluR1 Ab IFA Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
NCDCS |
Neurochondrin CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
NCDTS |
Neurochondrin IFA Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
NFHCS |
NIF Heavy Chain CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
NIFTS |
NIF IFA Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
NFLCS |
NIF Light Chain CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
NMDIS |
NMDA-R Ab IF Titer Assay, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
PC1BS |
PCA-1 Immunoblot, S |
IB |
Negative |
|
PC1TS |
PCA-1 Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
PC2TS |
PCA-2 Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
PCTBS |
PCA-Tr Immunoblot, S |
IB |
Negative |
|
PCTTS |
PCA-Tr Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
PDETS |
PDE10A Ab IFA Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
SP7CS |
Septin-7 CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
SP7TS |
Septin-7 IFA Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
|
T46CS |
TRIM46 CBA, S |
CBA |
Negative |
|
T46TS |
TRIM46 IFA Titer, S |
IFA |
<1:240 |
*Methodology abbreviations:
Immunofluorescence assay (IFA)
Cell-binding assay (CBA)
Western blot (WB)
Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Immunoblot (IB)
Neuron-restricted patterns of IgG staining that do not fulfill criteria for ANNA-1, ANNA-2, CRMP-5-IgG, PCA-1, PCA-2, or PCA-Tr may be reported as "unclassified anti-neuronal IgG." Complex patterns that include nonneuronal elements may be reported as "uninterpretable."
Note: CRMP-5 titers lower than 1:240 are detectable by recombinant CRMP-5 Western blot analysis. CRMP-5 Western blot analysis will be done on request on stored serum (held 4 weeks). This supplemental testing is recommended in cases of chorea, vision loss, cranial neuropathy, and myelopathy. Call the Neuroimmunology Laboratory at 800-533-1710 to request CRMP-5 Western blot.
Interpretation
Neuronal, glial, and muscle autoantibodies are valuable serological markers of autoimmune encephalopathy and of a patient's immune response to cancer. These autoantibodies are usually accompanied by subacute neurological symptoms and signs are not found in healthy subjects. It is not uncommon for more than 1 of the following autoantibody specificities to be detected in patients with an autoimmune encephalopathy:
-Plasma membrane autoantibodies: N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor; 2-amino-3-(5-methyl-3-oxo-1,2- oxazol-4-yl) propanoic acid (AMPA) receptor; gamma-amino butyric acid (GABA-B) receptor; neuronal ACh receptor. These are all potential effectors of neurological dysfunction.
-Neuronal nuclear autoantibodies, type 1 (ANNA-1), type 2 (ANNA-2), or type 3 (ANNA-3)
-Neuronal or muscle cytoplasmic antibodies: amphiphysin, Purkinje cell antibodies (PCA-1) and PCA-2, CRMP-5, GAD65, or striational
Cautions
Negative results do not exclude autoimmune encephalopathy or cancer.
This test does not detect Ma1 or Ma2 antibodies (also known as MaTa), which are sometimes associated with brainstem and limbic encephalitis in the context of testicular germ cell neoplasms. Scrotal ultrasound is advised for men who present with unexplained subacute encephalitis.
Intravenous immunoglobulin treatment prior to the serum collection may cause a false-positive result.
Clinical Reference
1. Orozco E, Valencia-Sanchez C, Britton J, et al. Autoimmune encephalitis criteria in clinical practice. Neurol Clin Pract. 2023;13(3):e200151. doi:10.1212/CPJ.0000000000200151
2. Flanagan EP, Geschwind MD, Lopez-Chiriboga AS, et al. Autoimmune encephalitis misdiagnosis in adults. JAMA Neurol. 2023;80(1):30-39. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2022.4251
3. Budhram A, Dubey D, Sechi E, et al. Neural Antibody Testing in Patients with Suspected Autoimmune Encephalitis. Clin Chem. 2020;66(12):1496-1509. doi:10.1093/clinchem/hvaa254
4. Abboud H, Probasco JC, Irani S, et al. Autoimmune encephalitis: proposed best practice recommendations for diagnosis and acute management. J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry. 2021;92(7):757-768. doi:10.1136/jnnp-2020-325300
5. Dubey D, Pittock SJ, Kelly CR, et al. Autoimmune encephalitis epidemiology and a comparison to infectious encephalitis. Ann Neurol. 2018;83(1):166-177. doi:10.1002/ana.25131
Method Description
Cell-Binding Assay:
Patient specimen is applied to a composite slide containing transfected and nontransfected HEK-293 cells. After incubation and washing, fluorescein-conjugated goat-antihuman IgG is applied to detect the presence of patient IgG binding.(Package insert: IIFT: Neurology Mosaics, Instructions for the indirect immunofluorescence test. EUROIMMUN; FA_112d-1_A_UK_C13; 02/2019)
Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay:
The patient's sample is tested by a standardized immunofluorescence assay that uses a composite frozen section of mouse cerebellum, kidney, and gut tissues. After incubation with sample and washing, fluorescein-conjugated goat-antihuman IgG is applied. Neuron-specific autoantibodies are identified by their characteristic fluorescence staining patterns. Samples that are scored positive for any neuronal nuclear or cytoplasmic autoantibody are titrated to an endpoint. Interference by coexisting non-neuron-specific autoantibodies can usually be eliminated by serologic absorption.(Honorat JA, Komorowski L, Josephs KA, et al. IgLON5 antibody: neurological accompaniments and outcomes in 20 patients. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2017;4[5]:e385. doi:10.1212/NXI.0000000000000385)
Radioimmunoassay:
(125)I-labeled recombinant human antigens or labeled receptors are incubated with patient specimen. After incubation, anti-human IgG is added to form an immunoprecipitate. The amount of (125)I-labeled antigen in the immunoprecipitate is measured using a gamma-counter. The amount of gamma emission in the precipitate is proportional to the amount of antigen-specific IgG in the specimen. Results are reported as units of precipitated antigen (nmol) per liter of patient sample.(Griesmann GE, Kryzer TJ, Lennon VA. Autoantibody profiles of myasthenia gravis and Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome. In: Rose NR, Hamilton RG, et al, eds. Manual of Clinical and Laboratory Immunology. 6th ed. ASM Press; 2002:1005-1012; Jones AL, Flanagan EP, Pittock SJ, et al. Responses to and outcomes of treatment of autoimmune cerebellar ataxia in adults. JAMA Neurol. 2015;72[11]:1304-1312. doi:10.1001/jamaneurol.2015.2378)
Immunoblot:
All steps are performed at room temperature (18 to 28° C) utilizing the EUROBlot One instrument. Diluted patient serum (1:101) is added to test strips (strips containing recombinant antigen manufactured and purified using biochemical methods) in individual channels and incubated for 30 minutes. Positive specimens will bind to the purified recombinant antigen and negative specimens will not bind. Strips are washed to remove unbound serum antibodies and then incubated with anti-human IgG antibodies (alkaline phosphatase-labelled) for 30 minutes. The strips are again washed to remove unbound anti-human IgG antibodies and nitroblue tetrazolium chloride/5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolylphosphate (NBT/BCIP) substrate is added. Alkaline phosphatase enzyme converts the soluble substrate into a colored insoluble product on the membrane to produces a black band. Strips are digitized via picture capture on the EUROBlot One instrument and evaluated with the EUROLineScan software.(O'Connor K, Waters P, Komorowski L, et al. GABAA receptor autoimmunity: A multicenter experience. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2019;6[3]:e552. doi:10.1212/NXI.0000000000000552)
Western Blot:
Neuronal antigens extracted aqueously from adult rat cerebellum, full-length recombinant human collapsin response-mediator protein-5 (CRMP-5), or full-length recombinant human amphiphysin protein is denatured, reduced, and separated by electrophoresis on 10% polyacrylamide gel. IgG is detected autoradiographically by enhanced chemiluminescence.(Yu Z, Kryzer TJ, Griesmann GE, Kim K, Benarroch EE, Lennon VA. CRMP-5 neuronal autoantibody: marker of lung cancer and thymoma-related autoimmunity. Ann Neurol. 2001;49[2]:146-154; Dubey D, Jitprapaikulsan J, Bi H, et al. Amphiphysin-IgG autoimmune neuropathy: A recognizable clinicopathologic syndrome. Neurology. 2019;93[20]:e1873-e1880. doi:10.1212/WNL.0000000000008472)
Day(s) Performed
Profile tests: Monday through Sunday; Reflex tests: Varies
Report Available
8 to 12 daysTest Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
86255 x 23
86341 x 1
84182-AGNBS (if appropriate)
86256 AGNTS (if appropriate)
86255-AINCS (if appropriate)
86256-AMPIS (if appropriate)
86256 APHTS (if appropriate)
84182-AMIBS (if appropriate)
84182-AN1BS (if appropriate)
86256 AN1TS (if appropriate)
84182-AN2BS (if appropriate)
86256 AN2TS (if appropriate)
86256 AN3TS (if appropriate)
86256 CRMTS (if appropriate)
84182-CRMWS (if appropriate)
86256-DPPTS (if appropriate)
86256-GABIS (if appropriate)
86255-GFACS (if appropriate)
86256-GFATS (if appropriate)
86256-IG5TS (if appropriate)
86255-GL1CS (if appropriate)
86256-GL1TS (if appropriate)
86255 NCDCS (if appropriate)
86256 NCDTS (if appropriate)
86255-NFHCS (if appropriate)
86256-NIFTS (if appropriate)
86255-NFLCS (if appropriate)
86256-NMDIS (if appropriate)
84182-PC1BS (if appropriate)
86256 PC1TS (if appropriate)
86256 PC2TS (if appropriate)
84182-PCTBS (if appropriate)
86256 PCTTS (if appropriate)
86256 PDETCS (if appropriate)
86255 SP7CS (if appropriate)
86256 SP7TS (if appropriate)
86255 T46CS (if appropriate)
86256 T46TS (if appropriate)