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Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Evaluation

NMO-IgG, AQP, Devic’s Antibody, Aquaporin

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB6838, Beaker: XNMOE, Mayo: NMOFS

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect (preferred specimen): One plain Red-top tube.

Also acceptable: One Gold-top SST tube.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 3.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 2.0 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Icteric specimens.
• Grossly hemolyzed specimens.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Transfer serum to a plastic transport tube and refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 2.0 mL serum, refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 72 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 28 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 28 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories, Rochester, MN.

Performed

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday.
Results available in 5-8 days.

Reference Range

By report.

Test Methodology

Flow Cytometry.

Interpretation

A positive value is consistent with NMO or a related disorder and justifies initiation of appropriate immunosurpressive therapy at the earliest possible time.

Sero-negativity does not exclude the diagnosis of NMO (current sero-negativity rate is 27%).

Clinical Utility

Useful for establishing the diagnosis of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and related disorders. It also distinguishes these disorders from multiple sclerosis early in the course of the disease. This allows initiation and maintenance of optimal therapy.

CPT Codes

86255, 86256 if needed.

Contacts

Last Updated

10/8/2023