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VGCC Type P/Q Autoantibody Test (LEMS)
Test Code116082
CPT Codes
86596
Preferred Specimen
2 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Instructions
Informed consent is not required.
Please label each specimen tube with two forms of patient identification. These forms of identification must also appear on the requisition form.
Serum samples may be shipped frozen, refrigerated, or at room temperature. Serum samples shipped at room temperature must be received within 72 hours of draw.
Please label each specimen tube with two forms of patient identification. These forms of identification must also appear on the requisition form.
Serum samples may be shipped frozen, refrigerated, or at room temperature. Serum samples shipped at room temperature must be received within 72 hours of draw.
Transport Container
Plastic screw-cap vial
Transport Temperature
Room temperature
Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 72 hours
Regrigerated: 28 days
Frozen: 1 year
Regrigerated: 28 days
Frozen: 1 year
Methodology
RadioImmunoassay (RIA)
FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Athena Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.
Setup Schedule
Set up: Varies; Report available: 7-10 days
Reference Range
See Laboratory Report
Clinical Significance
Anti-voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC), P/Q type are found in patients with muscle weakness, sometimes accompanied by autonomic nervous system dysfunction. Anti-VGCC antibodies are found in 85% of Lambert-Eaton Myasthenic Syndrome (LEMS) patients and are strongly associated with small cell lung cancer. Recent studies have detected the presence of cancer in 40% of patients with LEMS. Often the clinical manifestations of LEMS precede the identification of lung cancer. In most cases, the cancer is discovered within 2 years after onset of neurological symptoms and in virtually all patients within 4 years. The presence of anti-VGCC antibodies in patient’s serum confirms the diagnosis of LEMS. This disease is frequently associated with small cell lung cancer. An early diagnosis allows detection and eradication of the tumor when present. The disease responds to treatment including corticosteroid therapy, nonsteroidal immunosuppressants and plasmapheresis.
Use: Detection of antibodies to voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC), P/Q type
Use: Detection of antibodies to voltage-gated calcium channels (VGCC), P/Q type
