ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel (VGKC) Antibody : 2004890
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Additional Technical Information
  


Mnemonic: VGKC AB

Methodology: Quantitative Radioimmunoassay
Performed: Tue
Reported: 1-8 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Plain red or serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum from cells within 1 hour. Transfer 4 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Plasma. Grossly lipemic or icteric specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: Less than 72 hours; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 month (avoid repeated freeze/thaw cycles)
Reference Interval:
Effective April 18, 2011
Negative 31 pmol/L or less
Indeterminate 32-87 pmol/L
Positive 88 pmol/L or greater

Interpretive Data: Voltage-Gated Potassium Channel (VGKC) antibodies are associated with neuromuscular weakness as found in neuromyotonia (also known as Issacs syndrome) and Morvan syndrome. VGKC antibodies are also associated with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes and limbic encephalitis; however, VGKC antibody-associated limbic encephalitis may be associated with antibodies to leucine-rich, glioma-inactivated 1 protein (Lgi1) or contactin-associated protein-2 (Caspr-2) instead of potassium channel antigens. The clinical significance of this test can only be determined in conjunction with the patient's clinical history and related laboratory testing.

See Compliance Statement D: www.aruplab.com/CS
CPT Code(s): 83519