Pathology

Test & Collection Guide

Voltage Gated Potassium Channel Antibodies

Ordering information:

PLEASE NOTE : This test is not covered by a Medicare rebate - a $210 fee will be sent to the patient involved.

A SVH Pathology form (link below) must also be filled out and sent to the laboratory.

When an NMDA or VGKC antibody test is requested, an email must be sent to the laboratory giving the clinical indication for the test and the urgency (ie for immediate transport or can be batched), as well as contact details for the person requesting the test in case further communication is required. If no email is received, the test will not be sent. For requests outside of neurology, it is expected that the patient will have been reviewed by neurology, or at the very least discussed with neurology, to determine the appropriateness of sending the test. As previously established, NMDA antibody testing will only be done on CSF unless there is a valid reason why a lumbar puncture cannot be performed.

The email should be directed to:

[email protected]

and

[email protected]

SVH request form

https://www.svhm.org.au/ArticleDocuments/1798/Autoimmune-Encephalitis-Testing-Requisition-form-V5-2017.pdf.aspx?embed=y

Alternate names:

Anti VGKC, Potassium Channel Antibodies, VGKC, Voltage gated K+

Laboratory:

Referred Test

Test Code:

VGKC

Specimen types:

Serum

Container types:

Serum tube with gel

Collection Instructions:

Transport specimen at Room Temperature to lab

Minimum Adult Volume:

1 mL

Frequency:

Weekly

Result Turnaround Time:

2-3 weeks

Laboratory Use Only

Storage Instructions:

Due to the batching process for transport , aliquot and freeze samples upon receipt .

Laboratory Notes:

IgLON5. Test performed by Pathology Queensland (CSF and serum)

DPPX. Test performed by St Vincents Mitochondrial and Autoimmune Neurological Disorders Laboratory. (CSF and serum)

External Laboratory:

St Vincents Hospital

External Laboratory details...