Neuromyelitis Optica Antibodies, Serum (Referred Out) - Saskatoon

Overview

Description

Ordering recommendation

• This test is restricted to neurologists. If physician other than neurologist is ordering, have test approved by contacting the Biochemist On Call through RUH switchboard.
• This panel includes aquaporin-4 Receptor antibodies and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies.

Test ordering requirements

Forms required

• Specimen must arrive at SPH laboratory with copy of requisition
• Miscellaneous Specimen Requisition Form #101878 or SHR Laboratory Medicine Community Laboratory Requisition Form #101064 or Acute Care Phlebotomy Requisition Form #101062

Clearance Required 

• If physician other than neurologist is ordering, have test approved by contacting the Biochemist On Call through RUH switchboard

Alias

• NMO
• Aquaporin 4 antibodies
• Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies
• Devic’s Disease

Specimen Information

Specimen types accepted

• Serum

Specimen collection container

• Preferred collection container: Gold (gel)
• Alternative collection container: Red (non-gel)

Required volume

• Optimal volume: 4.5 mL Full collection tube
• Minimum volume: 1 mL serum

(Submitting the minimum volume makes it impossible to repeat the test or perform confirmatory/reflex testing. In some situations, a minimum volume may require a second collection.)

Testing Information

Clinical interpretation

• Result interpretation should be correlated with clinical and other laboratory findings.

Performance

Methodology

• Cell Based Assay

Days/times performed

Availability	Shipped weekly Wednesdays
Testing site	Referred out by St. Paul's Hospital Laboratory

 

Maximum laboratory time

Results reporting

• 5-7 day turnaround time by testing laboratory

Other information

Additional comments

• Aids in the evaluation of neuromyelitis optica (NMO) and NMO spectrum disorders
• Approximately 75% of patients with NMO express antibodies to the Aquaporin-4 and optic neuritis. However, absence of antibodies to the AQP4 receptor does not rule out the diagnosis of NMO, presence of this antibody is diagnostic for NMO. International consensus diagnostic criteria for NMO spectrum. ( Neurology. 2015)
• A minority of patients with clinical characteristics of NMO, almost all AQP-4-IgG 4 seronegative, have been reported to have detectable serum myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) antibodies and may have different characteristics ( younger age, less frequently female, and less likely to relapse) from those with AQP4-IgG. ( Neurology, 2015)
• AQP4 antibodies may be undetectable if patient is under therapies for acute attack (IV methylprednisolone or plasmapheresis) or immunosuppressants.

Last Updated: March 13, 2026