Voltage Gated Potassium Channel Complexes (VGKC)

Department of Immunology

Notes

• LGI1/CASPR2 antibody testing is conducted as a first line test when investigating a patient for VGKC antibodies.
• LGI1 antibodies are associated with Facial brachial dystonic seizures (FBDS), a sub type of limbic encephalitis.
• CASPR2 antibodies are associated with Morvans syndrome, a sub type of limbic encephalitis.
• Both Morvan's and Limbic Encephalitis can be associated with thymoma or small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC).
• Test performed by Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

Sample Requirements

Clotted blood. (No patient preparation or special handling required)

Adult

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

Paediatric

1ml Serum Sample

Can also be analysed on CSF.

Turnaround Times

28 days

Time limit for add-on

3 days