Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) (NMO-IgG) Antibody with Reflex to Titer, Serum

NMO-IgG, AQP, Devic’s Antibody, Aquaporin, Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) Evaluation, Transverse Myelitis Antibody, AQP4, NMO antibody, Aquaporin, LETM antibody, Optic Neuritis Antibody, Devic’s Antibody, NMO-IgG, Neuromyelitis Optica, NMOSD, AQP

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1232065, Beaker: AQ AB SERP, Quest: 38321

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

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

Do not use Serum Separator Tubes (SST).

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

Rejection Criteria

• Gross lipemic.
• Grossly hemolyzed specimens.
• Serum separator tube (SST).
• 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): 7 days
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 14 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 21 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 Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Sunday, Thursday.
Results available in 3-7 days.

Reference Range

Aquaporin 4 Ab, CBA, Serum:	Negative
Aquaporin 4 Ab, Titer, Serum:	<1:10 Titer

Test Methodology

Cell-based Immunofluorescence Assay

Clinical Utility

Aquaporin-4 (AQP4) (NMO-IgG) Antibody with Reflex to Titer, Serum – NMO (neuromyelitis optica, Devic disease) is an immune- mediated chronic inflammatory disease that predominantly affects the optic nerve and spinal cord and presents with optic neuritis (ON) and myelitis. Limited forms of this disease, such as isolated ON, brainstem encephalitis and longitudinal extensive transverses myelitis (LETM), have been referred to as NMO spectrum disorders (NMOSD). NMO was originally thought to be a variant of multiple sclerosis, but is now recognized as a distinct disease. The presence of serum antibodies against aquaporin-4 (AQP4) is associated with NMO and NMOSD.

CPT Codes

86052

Contacts

Last Updated

2/11/2026