A. Internal quality control

In all tests we include known positive and negative sera / CSF- controls. Most positive results are repeated both for confirmation and for a quantitative or semi-quantitative determination of the antibody titer. Also, already for the diagnosis of most diseases we apply two different methods (particularly in the case of a positive result) or we search for more than one biomarkers. Examples include testing for antibodies against AChR and MuSK (by standard RIA and new highly sensitive RIA, and with CBA when requested), against AQP4 (by CBA and RIA), against Titin (by ELISA and when deemed useful by RIA as well), against AQP1 (ELISA with whole AQP1 and with peptides corresponding to its extracellular and intracellular domains), against  paraneoplastic antigen (by immunoblotting, tissue immunofluorescence and CBA), for multiple sclerosis (oligoclonal bands and quantitative IgG measurements albumin), for CJD (comparison of values for three proteins) and Alzheimer (comparison of values for four proteins). We make efforts the double check to be extended to almost all the tests we perform.

B. External quality control

We participate in several international quality control programs for as many of our tests are available (such as antibodies to the AChR, gangliosides, paraneoplastic antigens, oligoclonal bands in multiple sclerosis, myopathy antigens, NMDAR, CASPR1, LGI1, GAD, AQP4, Mup44 and the four CSF proteins involved in Alzheimer disease. For most of the other tests (for which we do not know the availability of organized external quality control), we confirm the reliability of our results by sending selected samples to collaborating international reference laboratories for confirmation. For some rare and very recent tests, we offer them in cooperation with certified reference laboratories abroad, until we adopt them in our laboratory. These include the detection of antibodies against ryanodine receptor, ganglionic AChR, GABA_AR, mGluR1, mGluR5, Iglon5, VGCC type-N and dopamine receptors.

C. ISO

We operate under the international quality management standard ISO 9001: 2015.

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Dear Doctor

Based on our 35-year diagnostic and research experience in research institutes and University Departments, we founded a center (Tzartos NeuroDiagnostics) specialized in the diagnosis of autoimmune neurological diseases (and some other neurological diseases like Alzheimer and Creutzfeldt-Jacob diseases), mainly for the prompt and comprehensive service of patients and doctors. Specifically, we offer:

- The classic tests for myasthenia gravis, myasthenic syndromes, multiple sclerosis, NMO and peripheral neuropathies in which we have extensive experience. 

- New tests for myasthenia gravis based on our own and others investigations (anti-LRΡ4, anti-MuSK by cell-based assay, antibodies to AChR clusters, and our supplementary highly sensitive RIAs) that shrink the "seronegative" myasthenia gravis. New tests for NMO (antibodies to AQP1, based on our own studies, and to MOG, as well as GFAP protein in CSF).

- Tests for myositis, paraneoplastic syndromes, autoimmune encephalitis and several related syndromes (antibodies against Amphiphysin, Hu, Yo, Ri, etc., against NMDA-R, AMPA-R, GABAB-R, glycine receptors, GAD, LGI1, CASPR2, etc.).

- In addition, we perform measurements in the CSF of the levels of proteins related to Creutzfeldt-Jacob (14-3-3, Tau/p-Tau and pathological prion by RT-QuIC) and to Alzheimer (beta-amyloid1-42, beta-amyloid1-40, Tau and p-Tau) diseases.

- Prices are at the lowest possible levels. To needy patients very significant discount is possible.

- Excellent service for patients and doctors and the results are sent to patients and physicians by email or any other preferred means.

- Very short delivery time of the results: typically, 1-5 days.

- The assays are performed by highly experienced scientific staff.

- Importantly, advice-consultation to doctors for selection of tests and interpretation of results whenever requested.

We are at your disposal for any more information you may need. If you wish to be notified about the new tests, please send an e-mail or follow our website.

Sincerely,

Socrates Tzartos, Ph.D.                     

Emeritus Prof. of Immunobiology