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.

Show notes
(00:32)
Could you provide a little information on your role here at Mayo Clinic?

(01:11)
 Can you give an introduction as to how GABA-A is important as the field of autoimmune neurology develops?

(02:15)
 What type of methodology are we using in this assay?

(03:17)
 Will there be a reflex to confirm positivity, or is that captured in that initial test?

(04:22)
 Is either CSF or serum specimen preferable, or do we recommend both for this biomarker?

(05:09)
 In combination with what phenotypes should this biomarker be considered?

(05:37)
 Should a physician consider adding a GABA-A receptor standalone test to our encephalopathy, epilepsy, or pediatric evaluations, to be sure they're doing a comprehensive review?

(06:25)
 Can you give us a little background on why this test is being launched by itself? Is Mayo Clinic Labs changing its stance on whether comprehensive evaluations are the most appropriate method?

(07:30)
 Why has it taken so long to bring this assay live?

(08:14)
 For exactly what type of patients should physicians consider this testing?

(10:21)
 Should physicians add our encephalopathy evaluation every time they order GABA-A? Is the presentation you just described common or a subset?

(11:24)
 Does that recommendation change in pediatric patients?

(12:20)
 What does a positive result tell physicians?

(12:57)
 Does GABA-A have a high-risk oncological association?

(13:18)
 What does GABA-A tell a pediatric neurologist if the test comes back positive?

(14:14)
 Should a positive GABA-A test lead a physician to a certain treatment option?

(15:24)
 What are you most excited about in relation to the launch of this new test?

(16:48)
 Is there anything else you'd like to add about this test?