Testing Laboratory
Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland HospitalDepartment
Immunology
Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)
NMO
Test Code (Numeric Code)
8559
Laboratory Handling
Phlebotomy
Serum
Transport
Ambient (8 - 24 °C) within 48 hours; Chilled (4 - 8 °C) if longer than 48 hours
Registration
NMO
Laboratory
Labplus Autoimmune Serology
Sample Stability
Up to 48 hours: 8 - 24 °C; Up to 14 days: 4 - 8 °C; Up to 6 months: -30 °C; Indefinite at - 80 °C
Associated Tests
Synonyms
NMO, neuromyelitis optica
AQP4 IgG
Anti AQP4
AQP4 antibodies
Turnaround Time
2 days
Monday to Friday excluding Public Holidays; Specimen must be in the department available for analysis by 1030 hours, otherwise testing will be deferred to the next batch.
This test may be vetted by the laboratory. Please include relevant clinical information on the request form to ensure appropriate tests are approved. See the 'Clinical Information' section below for more information on the indications for testing.
Specimen Type
- Serum
Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Acceptable
- Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)
3.5
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
No of Samples Required
1
Paediatric Specimen Requirements
Tube/Container Type:
Preferred
- SST II (Gold Cap)
Acceptable
- Plain(Microtainer)
- SST(Microtainer)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)
1
Pre-testing Requirements
All patients referred for NMO antibody testing must have been reviewed by either Neurology or Ophthalmology. Testing will be deferred on all specimens where it is unclear if a review has occurred.
Additional Specimen Information
Paediatric Specimen: 2 mL clotted blood or 1 mL serum
Last updated: 14/08/2026