Anti Aquaporin 4 / Neuromyelitis Optica Antibody Test

A layer of cells surrounds the brain to protect it from harmful substances and form the blood-brain barrier. Aquaporin 4, also known as AQP 4, is a water channel protein that is available in these cells in the brain and the spinal cord. It works as a water transport channel in the cell membrane. The AQP 4 is responsible for transporting antibodies into the brain that cause inflammation and relapse inside the brain, known as Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO). The Anti-AQP 4 Neuromyelitis Optica Antibody test identifies this disease and more neurological issues caused due to AQP 4 antibodies.

The test does not require any special preparations. It requires blood serum as the sample. This is collected through drawing out a certain amount of blood. You need to wear suitable clothes for a blood test. You can, however, consult your doctor regarding the medications you are on. The doctor may suggest you avoid any medicines that will affect the test results.

The Anti-AQP 4 Neuromyelitis Optica Anitbody test is used to detect the IgG antibody in AQP 4 in the brain cells. It finds the level of Neuromyelitis Optica disease affecting the brain cells. It also presents the following outcomes: Diagnosis of the Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorder (NMOSD) which causes more diver neurological damages Risk of autoimmune AQP4 channelopathy Helps in distinguishing between NMO and Multiple Sclerosis at an early stage for proper treatment.

The test involves taking out a sample of blood. This is transferred to a glass container. In order to turn this blood sample into serum, the following steps are used: Allow the sample to clot at room temperature. Loosen the clot from the container and keep it overnight at 4 degrees Celsius. This will form the serum, which has to heated at 56 degrees Celsius for destroying the heat components.