68kD (hsp-70) antibodies

Test Code

18406

CPT Codes
84181<br>Restricted Client Code

Preferred Specimen

2 mL serum

Minimum Volume

1 mL

Instructions

Centrifuge and aliquot serum/plasma into plastic vial.

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 72 hours
Refrigerated: 5 days
Frozen: 1 year

Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)

Grossly hemolyzed • Lipemic samples

Methodology
Western Blot

Setup Schedule

Set up: Once per week; Report available: 7 days

Reference Range

See Laboratory Report

Clinical Significance

Sensorineural hearing loss (SNHL), commonly referred to as nerve deafness, maybe caused by genetic factors, acquired factors (i.e. infections) or can be immune mediated. In the majority of cases, no cause of SNHL is apparent. Such cases are referred to as idiopathic SNHL. A subgroup of idiopathic SNHL cases is treatable with immunosuppressive therapy. The laboratory studies used to identify these cases should include serum antibody tests to 68kD (hsp-70) inner ear antigen. 22% of patients with bilateral rapidly progressive SNHL have antibodies that react with the 68kD antigen. 68kD (hsp-70 antibodies also occur in approximately 60% of patients with bilateral Meniere's disease, 35% of patients with unilateral Meniere's disease and 37% of patients with contralateral delayed endolymphatic hydrops. In situations where corticosteroids are contraindicated, methotrexate or cytoxan treatment may be prescribed.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.