DIAGNOSTIC TEST 877

GABA B Receptor Antibodies  (IgG)

Diagnostic test for antibodies against GABA-BR. For suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic syndrome.

Indication

Suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis and paraneoplastic syndrome

Sample material

Serum

  • Minim. volume: 0,5 mL

CSF

  • Minim. volume: 0,5 mL

Transport

Within Sweden

  • room temperature

International

  • cold

Method

Cell-based assay (CBA), Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF)

Reference interval

Serum

  • <1:10 negative

CSF

  • negative

Result

Results are reported as negative or positive. A positive result is followed by a titer (serum).

Interpretation

Antibodies against GABA B receptors may occur in classical autoimmune encephalitis. There are relatively few cases published, of which 50% have been women, age when diagnosed between 24-75 years (median 62 years). GABA B positivity has been associated with small-cell lung cancer in 50-60% of the cases. Antibodies may occur together with other autoantibodies in around 50% of the cases (antibodies against GAD-65, VGCC, and TPO). Antibody titers can be used to monitor treatment effectiveness. Screening for cancer diagnosis is recommended.

Antibodies against GABA B receptors are graded as Intermediate-risk antibodies with a frequency of >50% of underlying cancer, and a positive result yields a 2 point PNS score, according to Updated Diagnostic Criteria for Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes.

References

  • Leypoldt F et al. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2015. Autoimmune encephalopathies. PMID: 25315420
  • Dalmau J et al. Physiol Rev. 2017. Autoantibodies to Synaptic Receptors and Neuronal Cell Surface Proteins in Autoimmune Diseases of the Central Nervous System. PMID: 28298428
  • Dalmau J et al. Lancet Neurol. 2019. An update on anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis for neurologists and psychiatrists: mechanisms and models. PMID: 31326280
  • Graus F et al. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2021. Updated Diagnostic Criteria for Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes. PMID: 34006622
  • Flanagan EP et al. JAMA Neurol. 2023. Autoimmune Encephalitis Misdiagnosis in Adults. PMID: 36441519

Included in these panels

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How to order

This test is available worldwide for hospitals, clinics, and physicians.

  1. Print and complete the request form

    Download the request form. Clearly state the name and phone number of the referring hospital, clinic, or physician.

  2. Prepare your samples

    Serum: At least 0.5 mL serum (plain serum tubes without additives).
    CSF: At least 0.5 mL CSF (polypropylene tubes).

  3. Send samples and request form

    Within Sweden
    Samples can be sent at room temperature to:
    Envelopes and smaller boxes:
    Wieslab AB, Box 50117, 20211 Malmö, Sweden

    Larger boxes and frozen samples:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

    International
    Send samples cold to:
    Wieslab AB, Lundavägen 151, 21224 Malmö, Sweden

Read our sampling instructions for more information

Last updated: 2025-08-18