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HelpTest Code PC2TC Purkinje Cell Cytoplasmic Antibody Type 2 (PCA-2) Titer, Spinal Fluid
Ordering Guidance
Serum is preferred. Spinal fluid testing is particularly useful when interfering antibodies are present in the serum.
Specimen Required
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see:
-DMC2 / Dementia, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
-ENC2 / Encephalopathy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
-EPC2 / Epilepsy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
-MDC2 / Movement Disorder, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
-MAC1 / Myelopathy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
Container/Tube: Sterile vial
Specimen Volume: 4 mL
Useful For
Evaluating patients who present with a subacute neurological disorder of undetermined etiology and have risk factors for lung cancer
Reporting an end titer result from spinal fluid specimens
Testing Algorithm
If the indirect immunofluorescence pattern suggests Purkinje cell cytoplasmic antibody type 2 (PCA-2), then this test will be performed at an additional charge.
Reporting Name
PCA-2 Titer, CSFSpecimen Type
CSFSpecimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
|---|---|---|---|
| CSF | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days | |
| Frozen | 28 days | ||
| Ambient | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | Reject |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | Reject |
Reference Values
Only orderable as a reflex. For more information see:
-DMC2 / Dementia, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
-ENC2 / Encephalopathy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
-EPC2 / Epilepsy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
-MDC2 / Movement Disorder, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
-MAC1 / Myelopathy, Autoimmune/Paraneoplastic Evaluation, Spinal Fluid
<1:2
Neuron-restricted patterns of IgG staining that do not fulfill criteria for Purkinje cell cytoplasmic antibody type 2 Â may be reported as "unclassified antineuronal IgG." Complex patterns that include non-neuronal elements may be reported as "uninterpretable."
Supportive Data
Purkinje cell autoantibody type-2 (PCA-2) binds to the cytoplasm of cerebellar neurons in a characteristic pattern. Western blots of reduced/denatured cerebellar and small-cell lung carcinoma proteins reveal a common antigenic band, approximately 280 kDa.(1) Nine of 10 seropositive patients initially identified had a subacute neurological presentation (elements of encephalomyeloneuropathy) and 9 of 10 had lung cancer confirmed.(1) Similar neurological and oncological correlations have been observed in 30 subsequently identified seropositive patients.(Lennon VA: Unpublished data)
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Sunday
Report Available
6 to 8 daysSpecimen Retention Time
28 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
86256
LOINC Code Information
| Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| PC2TC | PCA-2 Titer, CSF | 94364-7 |
| Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
|---|---|---|
| 43447 | PCA-2 Titer, CSF | 94364-7 |