Ma2 antibodies are a biomarker of severe autoimmune neurology disorders that are often triggered by cancer. In this test-specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Sean Pittock, M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' novel test for detecting Ma2 antibodies can help patients get the rapid care they need.

"Early diagnosis is really important," Dr. Pittock says. "We've got to treat aggressively to suppress that immune attack on the brain. If three or four months have passed before treatment starts, the cells in the nervous system that express the Ma2 protein have been essentially killed or irreversibly injured."

Ma2 is very challenging to detect with standard indirect immunofluorescence.  Mayo Clinic Laboratories’ innovation is an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Currently offered as a standalone test, the assay eventually will be incorporated into the laboratories' comprehensive evaluations for autoimmune encephalopathy and autoimmune movement disorders.

"Detecting Ma2 antibodies has significant implications for patients," Dr. Pittock says. "In most cases the condition is initiated by an undiagnosed tumor. We strongly recommend looking for an underlying malignancy in addition to treating the immune attack on the brain.

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Testing

MA2ES   | Ma2 Antibody by ELISA, Serum

MA2EC   | Ma2 Antibody, ELISA, Spinal Fluid

Useful information

MA2ES   | Ma2 Antibody by ELISA, Serum

Evaluating patients with suspected paraneoplastic encephalitides using serum specimens

MA2EC   | Ma2 Antibody, ELISA, Spinal Fluid

Evaluating patients with suspected paraneoplastic encephalitides using spinal fluid specimens

Specimen requirements

MA2ES   | Ma2 Antibody by ELISA, Serum

NECESSARY INFORMATION

Provide the following information:

1. Relevant clinical information
2. Ordering provider name, phone number, mailing address, and e-mail address

Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)

Preferred: Serum gel

Acceptable: Red top

Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial

MA2EC   | Ma2 Antibody, ELISA, Spinal Fluid

NECESSARY INFORMATION

Provide the following information:

1. Relevant clinical information
2. Ordering provider name, phone number, mailing address, and e-mail address

Container/Tube: Sterile vial

Preferred: Vial number 1

Acceptable: Any vial

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Performance information

• Analytic time: 3 to 5 days
• Day(s) and time(s) performed: Tuesday and Friday

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