Aquaporin 4 Antibodies (AKA AQP4, NMO)
Department of Immunology
Notes
- 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.
- Test performed by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Sample Requirements
Clotted blood. (No patient preparation or special handling required)
Adult
5ml Gold-top SST tube or 3.5ml Rust-top gel tube (Trust users only)
Paediatric
Can also be analysed on CSF
Time limit for add-on
3 days
Turnaround Times
28 days
Reference Range
Negative = Normal
Information:
Updated: January 2025