ARUP's Laboratory Test Directory

Ganglioside (Asialo-GM1, GM1, GM2, GD1a, GD1b, and GQ1b) Antibodies : 0051033

Mnemonic: GM1 COMBI

Methodology: Semi-Quantitative Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
Performed: Mon, Wed, Fri
Reported: 1-4 days
Specimen Required: Collect: Serum separator tube.

Specimen Preparation: Separate serum from cells ASAP. Transfer 0.3 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.1 mL)

Storage/Transport Temperature: Refrigerated.

Unacceptable Conditions: Room temperature specimens. Plasma, CSF, or other body fluids. Contaminated, heat-inactivated, hemolyzed , severely icteric, or lipemic specimens.

Stability (collection to initiation of testing): After separation from cells: Ambient: Unacceptable; Refrigerated: 2 weeks; Frozen: 1 year
Reference Interval:
Test Number Components Reference Interval
Asialo-GM1 Antibodies, IgG/IgM 29 IV or less: Negative
30-50 IV: Equivocal
51-100 IV: Positive
101 IV or greater: Strong Positive
GM1 Antibodies, IgG/IgM 29 IV or less: Negative
30-50 IV: Equivocal
51-100 IV: Positive
101 IV or greater: Strong Positive
GM2 Antibodies, IgG/IgM 29 IV or less: Negative
30-50 IV: Equivocal
51-100 IV: Positive
101 IV or greater: Strong Positive
GD1a Antibodies, IgG/IgM 29 IV or less: Negative
30-50 IV: Equivocal
51-100 IV: Positive
101 IV or greater: Strong Positive
GD1b Antibodies, IgG/IgM 29 IV or less: Negative
30-50 IV: Equivocal
51-100 IV: Positive
101 IV or greater: Strong Positive
GQ1b Antibodies, IgG/IgM 29 IV or less: Negative
30-50 IV: Equivocal
51-100 IV: Positive
101 IV or greater: Strong Positive

Interpretive Data: Ganglioside antibodies are associated with diverse peripheral neuropathies. Elevated antibody levels to ganglioside-monosialic acid (GM1) and the neutral glycolipid, asialo-GM1 are associated with motor or sensorimotor neuropathies, particularly multifocal motor neuropathy. Anti-GM1 may occur as IgM (polyclonal or monoclonal) or IgG antibodies. These antibodies may also be found in patients with diverse connective tissue diseases as well as normal individuals. GD1a antibodies are associated with different variants of Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) particularly acute motor axonal neuropathy while GD1b antibodies are predominantly found in sensory ataxic neuropathy syndrome. Anti-GQ1b antibodies are seen in more than 80% of patients with Miller-Fisher syndrome and may be elevated in GBS patients with ophthalmoplegia. The role of isolated anti-GM2 antibodies is unknown. These tests by themselves are not diagnostic and should be used in conjunction with other clinical parameters to confirm disease.

Refer to Statement D under Testing Information at http://www.aruplab.com.
CPT Code(s): 83516 x6