Autoimmune GI dysmotility (AGID) is a limited autoimmune dysautonomia occurring idiopathically or in the context of an anatomically remote neoplasm. Signs and symptoms include early satiety, nausea, vomiting, bloating, diarrhea, constipation, and involuntary weight loss. The onset may be subacute, and neurological manifestations may be an accompaniment. Serological evaluations are a valuable adjunct to the diagnosis and management of AGID. Results of this assay should be used in conjunction with objective autonomic testing (e.g., autonomic reflex testing or thermoregulatory sweat test) and confirmed abnormalities on GI motility studies.

Divyanshu (Div), Dubey, M.B.B.S, gives an overview of the new GID2 test available through Mayo Clinic Laboratories. He discusses when this testing should be ordered, how this testing compares to previous testing approaches, and what clinical action can be taken due to the results of this testing.

Testing

• Autoimmune Gastrointestinal Dysmotility Evaluation, Serum (Mayo ID: GID2)

Useful for:

• Investigating unexplained weight loss, early satiety, anorexia, nausea, vomiting, constipation or diarrhea in a patient with past or family history of cancer or autoimmunity.
• Directing a focused search for cancer.
• Investigating gastrointestinal symptoms that appear in the course or wake of cancer therapy, not explainable by recurrent cancer, metastasis or therapy; detection of autoantibodies on this profile helps differentiate autoimmune gastrointestinal dysmotility from the effects of chemotherapy.
• Detecting early evidence of cancer recurrence in previously seropositive patients who have a rising titer of 1 or more autoantibodies.

Specimen Requirements

Specimen Type 

Serum

Specimen Required 

1. For optimal antibody detection, specimen collection is recommended prior to initiation of immunosuppressant medication.
2. This test should not be requested in patients who have recently received radioisotopes, therapeutically or diagnostically, because of potential assay interference. The specific waiting period before specimen collection will depend on the isotope administered, the dose given, and the clearance rate in the individual patient. Specimens will be screened for radioactivity prior to analysis. Radioactive specimens received in the laboratory will be held 1 week and assayed if sufficiently decayed, or canceled if radioactivity remains.
3. Patient should have no general anesthetic or muscle-relaxant drugs in the previous 24 hours.

Specimen Type: Serum

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Red top

Acceptable: Serum gel

Specimen Volume: 4 mL

Performance Information

Day(s) and Time(s) Test Performed 

Varies

Analytic Time 

10 days