Antibody against the GABA-A receptor is a biomarker of autoimmune encephalopathy that occurs across the lifespan, and disproportionately affects children. In this test-specific episode of the "Answers From the Lab" podcast, Andrew McKeon, M.B., B.Ch., M.D., explains how Mayo Clinic Laboratories' GABA-A receptor antibody assay aids diagnosis of this serious but treatable condition.

"The disease associated with the GABA-A receptor antibody is very immunotherapy-responsive, if treated early," Dr. McKeon says. However, few reliable testing options are available.

Mayo Clinic Laboratories' new cell-based GABA-A receptor antibody  assay doesn't require reflex testing.

"We have a high level of confidence in this testing method," Dr. McKeon says. "It's an opportunity for doctors to be able to diagnose and confirm GABA-A receptor encephalitis, particularly in pediatric patients."

The GABA-A receptor antibody test is recommended — in conjunction with other autoimmune neurology profiles— for specific patients. "The phenotype of note is encephalopathy with seizures," Dr. McKeon says. "Patients also typically have multifocal large cerebral temporal and extra-temporal T2 signal abnormalities without enhancement. If you see patients with that, you should definitely work in GABA-A."

The assay is being launched as a standalone test to accommodate clients' IT systems while enhancing patient care.

Listen to learn more about Mayo Clinic Laboratories' GABA-A receptor antibody assay.

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Testing

GBACS   | Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid Type A (GABA-A) Receptor Antibody by Cell Binding Assay, Serum

GBACC   | Gamma-Amino Butyric Acid Type A (GABA-A) Receptor Antibody by Cell Binding Assay, Spinal Fluid

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