Anti Merkel Cell Panel

Message

Sample needs to be shipped frozen to Quest as miscellaneous.
Sent to University of Washington Medicine.
Test code AMERK

Test Code

AMERK (UWM)

Alias/See Also

AMERK

CPT Codes
0058U

Includes

All samples include testing for antibodies to the Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) oncoprotein. In addition, screening for the Merkel cell polyomavirus VP1 capsid antibody is done once, on the first sample ordered for AMERK testing (AMERK2) and billed separately. The VP1 capsid antibody test is reflexively added to the order by the laboratory.

Preferred Specimen

Red top

or SST

Must centrifuge and separate serum within 4 hours of collection.

Minimum Volume

2mL serum

Instructions

Must centrifuge and separate serum within 4 hours of collection.

Transport Temperature

Frozen

Specimen Stability

Room temp: 7 days
Frozen: Long Term

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

Sample not labeled with complete first and last name and date of birth.
Lipemia may increase results 15-20%

Methodology
Laboratory developed Luminex paramagnetic bead, multiplex assay

Setup Schedule

Set up on Mondays.

Report Available

3-4 weeks

Limitations

Screening for the Merkel cell polyomavirus VP1 capsid antibody is done once, on the first sample ordered for AMERK testing (and billed separately). This assay is used to screen Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC) patients for current or prior infection with the Merkel cell polyomavirus. Patients who lack these antibodies should not be monitored with additional AMERK testing because they do not make antibodies to the viral oncoprotein and should be monitored by other means. VP1 capsid antibodies are not an indicator of disease activity.

Clinical Significance

SmT oncoprotein antibodies are present in the blood of 50% of patients when they have clinically detectable Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC). In patients who make oncoprotein antibodies, titers are expected to decrease significantly within 3 months of successful treatment of MCC. Changes in oncoprotein titers of less than 25% may not be biologically significant. A significant rise in titer or stabilization above 2000 STU may be associated with persistent or recurrent MCC.

Performing Laboratory
UW Medicine
Department of Laboratory Medicine
University of Washington Medical Center
1959 NE Pacific St
Seattle, WA 98195
206-520-4600

Last Updated: December 27, 2023

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.