DIAGNOSTIC TEST 838

Glycine Receptor Antibodies (IgG)

Diagnostic test for antibodies against GlyR. For suspected Stiff person syndrome and especially PERM (Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus).

Indication

Suspicion of Stiff person syndrome and especially PERM (Progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus).

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

GlyR mediates the post-synaptic inhibition in the central nervous system. GlyR antibodies are primarily associated with PERM (progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus) variant of stiff person syndrome. In less than 10% of cases, anti-GlyR antibodies are associated with underlying malignancy.

References

  • Alexopoulos H, Dalakas MC. J Autoimmun. 2019. The immunobiology of autoimmune encephalitides. PMID: 31611142
  • Graus F, et al. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2021. Updated Diagnostic Criteria for Paraneoplastic Neurologic Syndromes. PMID: 34006622
  • Guasp M et al. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2025. Progressive Encephalomyelitis With Rigidity and Myoclonus With Glycine Receptor Antibodies: Clinical Features and Outcomes. PMID: 40953327
  • Winklehner M et al. Neurol Neuroimmunol Neuroinflamm. 2024. Progressive Encephalomyelitis With Rigidity and Myoclonus With Glycine Receptor and GAD65 Antibodies: Case Report and Potential Mechanisms. PMID: 39213470
  • Cullinane PW et al. Handb Clin Neurol. 2024. Stiff person syndrome. PMID: 39174250
  • Chia NH et al. Ann Clin Transl Neurol. 2023. Stiff person spectrum disorder diagnosis, misdiagnosis, and suggested diagnostic criteria. PMID: 37212351

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: 2025-11-25