Ordering Recommendation

Useful in the initial evaluation of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) spectrum disorders. This test uses a cell-based assay (CBA) to detect antibodies against aquaporin-4.

New York DOH Approval Status

This test is New York state approved.

Specimen Required

Patient Preparation
Collect

CSF.

Specimen Preparation

Transfer 0.5 mL CSF to an ARUP standard transport tube. (Min: 0.15 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature

Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions

Hemolyzed, contaminated specimens or severely lipemic specimens.

Remarks
Stability

Ambient: 48 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year

Methodology

Semi-Quantitative Cell-Based Indirect Fluorescent Antibody

Performed

Mon, Wed, Fri

Reported

1-6 days

Reference Interval

Less than 1:1

Interpretive Data

Neuromyelitis optic (NMO) commonly presents with optic neuritis or longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. Approximately 75% of patients with NMO have antibodies to the aquaporin-4 (AQP4) receptor. While the absence of AQP4 receptor antibodies does not rule out a diagnosis of NMO, presence of this antibody is diagnostic for NMO.

This indirect fluorescent antibody assay utilizes AQP4 receptor transfected cell lines for the detection and semiquantification of AQP4 IgG antibody.

Compliance Category

Laboratory Developed Test (LDT)

Note

If AQP4 antibody IgG is positive, then an AQP4 antibody IgG titer is reported. Additional charges apply.

Hotline History

N/A

CPT Codes

86052; if reflexed, add 86256

Components

Component Test Code* Component Chart Name LOINC
2011700 NMO/AQP4 Ab IgG CBA-IFA Screen, CSF 46718-3
* Component test codes cannot be used to order tests. The information provided here is not sufficient for interface builds; for a complete test mix, please click the sidebar link to access the Interface Map.

Aliases

  • AQP
  • AQP4
  • AQP4 antibody
  • Aquaporin; Devic's Ab
  • Cell-based assay
  • Cell-binding assay
  • CNS demyelinating disease
  • Devic's Antibody
  • Myelopathy
  • Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Antibody
  • Neuromyelitis Optica IgG
  • NMO-IgG
  • NMOSD
  • Optic Neuritis Ab
  • Optic Neuritis Antibody
  • Optic-Spinal MS Antibody
  • Pediatric CNS disorders
  • Soft-NMOS
  • Transverse Myelitis Ab
  • Vision Loss Ab
Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) Antibody, IgG by CBA-IFA With Reflex to Titer, CSF