Voltage-Gated Calcium Channel (VGCC) Type N Antibody : 93882

VGCCAB or 93882

N-VGCC

Serum separator tube.

Centrifuge serum separator tube. Transfer 1 mL serum into a standard transport tube (Min: 0.5 mL).

Frozen.

Room temperature: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 48 hours; Frozen: 60 days

Monday & Wednesday

7-14 days  (From receipt at performing laboratory)

This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

<54 pmol/L

N-type calcium channel antibodies are more highly associated with primary lung cancer than P/Q-type. One or all of the autoantibodies in the myasthenia gravis (MG)/LEMS evaluation can occur with neoplasia without evidence of neurological impairment. One or both calcium channel antibodies (P/Q and N) can occur with paraneoplastic and idiopathic cerebellar ataxia, encephalomyeloneuropathies, and autonomic neuropathy. Classical symptoms of LEMS include proximal muscle weakness, fatigability, dry mouth and impotence. When presentation is further complicated with oculobulbar weakness, these symptoms can easily be misinterpreted as MG. However, because VGCC antibodies are positive in only approximately 5% of MG patients, the measurement of these antibodies is very useful in distinguishing LEMS from MG.