Acetylcholine Receptor Ganglionic (Alpha 3) Antibody

Test Code

ALPHA3

Alias/See Also

93881

CPT Codes
83519

Preferred Specimen

1 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 48 hours
Refrigerated: 48 hours
Frozen: 75 days

Methodology
Radioimmunoassay (RIA)

FDA Status
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.

Setup Schedule

Set up: Mon, Wed; Report available: 7-14 days

Reference Range

<55 pmol/L

Negative	<55 pmol/L
Borderline	55-160 pmol/L
Positive	>160 pmol/L

Clinical Significance

The G-nAChR autoantibody assay can be used to identify Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG) or paraneoplastic AAG in patients with autonomic neuropathy. Identification of paraneoplastic AAG in a patient is important, as there is an association between increased levels of G-nAChR antibodies and small-cell lung cancer (SCLC) or thymoma. Detection of paraneoplastic AAG, followed by resection and/or treatment of the patients’ tumor, can lead to a successful patient recovery. The G-nAChR autoantibody assay can be used as a serological diagnostic tool to differentiate patients suffering from immmunotreatment-responsive AAG from idiopathic autonomic neuropathy. Both conditions can present as acquired Autonomic Nervous System (ANS) dysfunction characterized by diffuse autonomic nervous system failure. The demonstration of AAG can lead to a focused immunological treatment and successful patient recovery. The G-nAChR antibody assay can also identify patients with limited forms of dysmotility, diabetic autonomic neuropathy, or postural tachycardia syndrome.

Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042

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.