Aquaporin 4 antibodies (AQP4)
Immunology
Sample and container requirements
Serum
Minimum volume required
4 mL blood
Special requirements
none
Patient preparation
None
Sample viability
Store at 4oC prior to sending to referral lab
Turnaround time
14 days
Reference range
negative
Clinical guidance
Antibodies directed against the Central nervous system water channel protein Aquaporin 4 (AQP4) have been found in the demyelinating disease Neuromyelitis Optica (NMO) as well as its spectrum disorders (NMOSD), which affect in particular the optical nerve and spinal cord. Detection of AQP4 antibodies allows discrimination from multiple sclerosis its most important differential diagnosis. https://sheffieldlaboratorymedicine.nhs.uk/search-test.php?search=3329&testname=Neuromyelitis%20Optica%20IgG%20Antibodies/Aquaporin%204%20Antibodies/NMO
Notes
Referred test
Images to go here
This information was last updated on 19 August 2026