Discovery of new biomarkers has enabled us to better diagnose diseases that were previously thought to be idiopathic, which allows us to better prognosticate outcomes and provide better treatments. An understanding of the pathogenesis of these disease processes ultimately leads to directed therapies.
Mayo Clinic has developed the only fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) live cell-binding assay that is currently available in the U.S. for antibody detection of AQP4 and MOG. FACS is recommended by international leaders in neuroimmunology for its increased sensitivity and specificity.
AQP4-IgG by FACS
The likelihood of having a false-positive result with ELISA methodology is at least 5x greater when compared with the Mayo Clinic cell-binding assay.
MOG-IgG by FACS
Mayo Clinic is the only U.S. lab to offer a live cell-based method for detection of MOG-IgG. A recent study found that live cell-based methodologies had superior positive predictive values to the fixed cell assays, indicating that positive results in these assays are more reliable indicators of MOG autoimmune spectrum disorders.
Neurologists are available for consultation and assistance in the interpretation of autoantibody evaluations. These conversations enable the best diagnosis and treatment approach, as they provide our neurologists the opportunity to ask for additional clinical information, as well as address the questions of the ordering physician.
Optic Neuritis in the Era of Biomarkers
Waters PJ, Pittock SJ, Kommorwski L, et al. A multicenter comparison of MOG-IgG cell-based assays. Neurology. 2019 Mar 12;92(11):e1250-e1255.
Waters PJ, McKeon A, Leite MI, et al. Serologic diagnosis of NMO: a multicenter comparison of aquaporin-4-IgG assays. Neurology. 2012;78(9):665-671.