Glomerular Basement Membrane Antibodies Blot, GBM confirmatory blot

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.

 This is used as a confirmatory assay in instances where possible false positive GBM antibodies by the routine methodology is suspected.

Please note the Protein Reference Unit does not provide out of hours service for these tests. Our working hours are Monday to Friday from 9:00 to 17:00 (excluding bank Holidays). For any out of hours clinical queries, suggest discuss with relevant specialities e.g. Renal/ Rheumatology.

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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

Normal = Negative

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Turnaround Time

3 days

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Testing Frequency

As required

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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.