Glomerular Basement Membrane Antibodies (GBM)

Immunology

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Description

Glomerular basement membrane (GBM) antibodies are directed towards the non-collagenous domains of type IV collagen. They are associated with glomerulonephritis (GN), most often rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and Goodpasture's syndrome (GS). There is evidence to suggest these antibodies are pathogenic and that they correlate with severity of disease [1]. There are reports of natural antibodies to the glomerular basement membrane which can occur in normal individuals [2]. Patients with GBM antibodies may also have anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies with a P-ANCA pattern usually due to myeloperoxidase antibodies although the significance of this is unclear. Therefore the screen in those patients that have glomerulonephritis and/or pulmonary haemorrhage should include ANCA and GBM antibodies [3].

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Indications

Rapidly progressive glomerulonephritis (RPGN) and Goodpasture's Syndrome.

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Sample Type

2mL Serum (Gel 5mL Yellow tube). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.

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Reference Range

>7 U/mL is positive.

Reference range established by in-house validation of the manufacturers information.

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Turnaround Time

Within 3 days

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Testing Frequency

Daily

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References

Sinclair D, Stevens JM. Role of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies and glomerular basement membrane antibodies in the diagnosis and monitoring of systemic vasculitides. Annals Clinical Biochemistry. 2007. 44(5): 432-42.
Cui Z, Wang HY, Zhao MH. Natural autoantibodies against glomerular basement membrane exist in normal human sera. Kidney Int. 2006. 69:894-899. [Ref 2]
Levy JB, et al. Clinical features and outcomes of patients with both ANCA and anti-GBM antibodies. Kidney Int. 2004. 66:1535. [Ref 3]
Pusey CD. Anti-glomerular basement membrane disease. Kidney Int. 2003. 64(4):1535-1550. [Ref 1]

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Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.