Glomerular Basement Membrane Antibodies

Department of Immunology

GBM Antibodies are used to diagnose Goodpasture's Disease.
Anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) disease is a rare autoimmune disorder in which circulating antibodies are directed against an antigen normally present in both the GBM and alveolar basement membrane.
The target antigen is the alpha-3 chain of Type IV Collagen.
The resultant clinical syndrome encompasses a wide spectrum of presentations, from mild to no renal envolvement to a rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis.
Significant proportions of patients develop pulmonary haemorrhage, and most individuals have signs of a generalised systemic illness.
The combination of glomerulonephritis and pulmonary haemorrhage is commonly referred to as Goodpasture's Syndrome.
Tests are performed at the Immunology Department, Southmead Hospital.

Adult

5ml Gold-top SST tube or 3.5ml Rust-top gel tube (Trust users only)

Paediatric

1ml Serum Sample

1 week

2 weeks