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Specimen Collection Manual and Test Catalog

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VOLTAGE-GATED CALCIUM CHANNEL (VGCC) TYPE N ANTIBODY

Geisinger Epic Procedure Code:  LAB1343    Geisinger Epic ID:  53297

SPECIMEN COLLECTION
Specimen type: 

Serum


Preferred collection container: 
Alternate collection container: 
6 mL red-top (plain, non-serum separator) tube
Specimen required: 

1 mL serum; minimum 0.5 mL.



SPECIMEN PROCESSING
Processing instructions: 

Centrifuge and aliquot.


Transport temperature: 

Frozen.


Specimen stability: 

Room temperature: 48 hours. Refrigerated: 48 hours. Frozen: 60 days.



TEST DETAILS
Additional information: 

This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by FDA. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.


CPT code(s):  86596
Note: The billing party has sole responsibility for CPT coding.  Any questions regarding coding should be directed to the payer being billed.
The CPT codes provided by GML are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only.

Methodology: 
Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Synonyms: 

Quest test code 93882, VGCC, N-VGCC, NCC


Clinical significance: 

N-type calcium channel antibodies are more highly associated with primary lung cancer than P/Q-type. One or all of the autoantibodies in the myasthenia gravis (MG)/LEMS evaluation can occur with neoplasia without evidence of neurological impairment. One or both calcium channel antibodies (P/Q and N) can occur with paraneoplastic and idiopathic cerebellar ataxia, encephalomyeloneuropathies, and autonomic neuropathy. Classical symptoms of LEMS include proximal muscle weakness, fatigability, dry mouth and impotence. When presentation is further complicated with oculobulbar weakness, these symptoms can easily be misinterpreted as MG. However, because VGCC antibodies are positive in only approximately 5% of MG patients, the measurement of these antibodies is very useful in distinguishing LEMS from MG.


Review Date:  12/11/2024

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