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
