Pathology tests database

Sample and container requirements

Serum CSF

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

15 days

Reference range

0-45 pM negative

Clinical guidance

Voltage-gated calcium channels mediate calcium influx in response to membrane depolarisation and regulate intracellular processes such as contraction, secretion, neurotransmission, and gene expression. Their activity is essential to couple electrical signals in the cell surface to physiological events in cells. They are members of a gene superfamily of transmembrane ion channel proteins that includes voltage-gated potassium and sodium channels. The Lambert Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a form of myasthenia often associated with small cell lung carcinoma. In ~50% of cases there is IgG mediated reduction in presynaptic voltage gated calcium channels. This gives rise to the description \"voltage-gated calcium channel (VGCC) antibodies.

Notes

Oxford http://www.ouh.nhs.uk/services/departments/laboratory-medicine/immunology-laboratory.aspx