Test Category: Immunology
Investigation Name:Voltage Gated Calcium Channel Antibody (VGCC)
Alias or Abbreviation:VGCC
Intro:
Indication:Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS)
Further information:
The assay is positive in approximately 85% of patients with the Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (with or without small cell lung carcinoma SCLC) and in about 30% of cerebellar ataxia with SCLC. Calcium channel antibodies are rarely found in patients without myasthenic symptoms, except at low titre in a few cases with small cell lung cancer.
This is because small cell lung cancers express this voltage gated calcium channel.
Pathology Laboratory:Immunology Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
Minimum Sample Volume:1mL
Expected Turnaround Time:4 Weeks
Test Code:VGCC
Sample Type:
Serum Gel Tube (Gold top)Complex Reference Range:Negative = <45pM Low Positive = 45-100pM
Reference Laboratory Details:Immunology, Churchill Hospital, Oxford.
Referred to Another Laboratory?Yes
Storage Requirements:Ambient temperature
Posting Address / Requirements:1st class post/ Trust transport
Lead Contact Details:Clinical queries email: rwh-tr.bcpsimmunologyclinicalqueries@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.ImmunologyLab@nhs.net
Site Sample Tested:Immunology, New Cross Hospital, Wolverhampton
Contact Number:01902 695 279 or Ext 85279
