Anti Glomerular Basement Membrane Antibodies
Immunology and Allergy Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
Autoantibodies to GBM are found in Goodpasture’s syndrome, a triad of glomerulonephritis, lung haemorrhage and the presence of anti-GBM. The target antigen is the NC1 domain of the α-3 chain of type IV collagen. This molecule forms the basis of the ELISA used in the detection of anti-GBM. An alternative indirect immunofluorescence assay has been used but lacks the sensitivity of the ELISA we offer. European studies report an incidence of between 0.5 and 1 case per million per annum. Approximately 25% of patients with anti-GBM antibodies also present with anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA) and we therefore recommend parallel testing.
Sample Requirements
2 ml freshly separated serum
Storage and Transport
Serum stored at 4°C should be sent by first class post
Turnaround Time
6 working days
Time Limit for Extra Tests
Five days
Factors affecting results or interpretation
All tests are compromised by prolonged transit times. For this reason, date of bleed and date of postage must be provided with each request.
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrianturner1@nhs.net. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
John Cazabon or Rosemary Ebling, Lead Biomedical Scientists
T 020 3299 1559
Dr Ted Davies Consultant Clinical Scientist
T 020 3299 9000 Ex 8752
