Neuromyelitis Optica Antibodies

Also known as: NMO; AqP4; Aquaporin 4

Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) is the major autoantigen in neuromyelitis optica (NMO, or Devic's disease). Antibodies to AQP4 are found in >80% of NMO patients and around 50% of patients with longitudinally extensive transverse myelitis. They are infrequent in patients with optic neuritis without spinal cord involvement.

Reviewed in: Waters P, Vincent A. Int MS J. 2008;15:99-105

Specimen requirements

Serum 1ml; CSF not required but can be analysed

Cost

• NHS centres in England and Scotland free of charge. All other centres £50.

Laboratory turnaround time

14 days

Laboratory method

Cell based assay

Reference range/units

Not applicable

Associated tests

Not applicable

Sample stability

4 months at 2-8ºC

Shipping and storage

UK and Ireland

Ambient temperature and first class post. Hays DX users please enquire via email below.

International

Ambient temperature if courier will deliver within 72 hours otherwise consider refrigerated transport. Freezing is not a requirement.

Ensure delivery Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30.

UKAS Accreditation status

This test is not UKAS Accredited as it is performed by the University of Oxford Neuroimmunology Research Group.

Further information and contact details

For further information, email immunologylab.enquiries@ouh.nhs.uk