Myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody titers by fixed cell-based assay: positive predictive value and impact...

In January 2023, our laboratory began performing serum myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody (anti-MOG) titers by fixed cell-based assay (CBA). As a quality assurance (QA) assessment, we evaluated titer positive predictive value (PPV) as well as impact of sample collection timing on titers.

Among patients who underwent antibody titers to distinguish between low-positive (<1:100) and clear-positive (≥1:100) anti-MOG, records were reviewed to classify results as true-positive (TP) or false-positive (FP) and facilitate PPV calculation. Timing of sample collection relative to administration of immunotherapy and symptom onset was determined for TP results.

Overall PPV of anti-MOG was 70/85 (82%). The PPV of low-positive anti-MOG was significantly lower than clear-positive anti-MOG (72% vs. 95%, p = 0.009). The difference in PPV between low-positive and clear-positive anti-MOG was significant among adults tested, but not children. Among patients with TP anti-MOG, the proportion who received immunotherapy prior to sample collection was significantly higher and median time from symptom onset to sample collection was significantly longer for low-positive compared to clear-positive results.

Overall PPV of anti-MOG testing by fixed CBA was reasonably high. The PPV of low-positive anti-MOG was significantly lower than clear-positive anti-MOG. This was driven by the significantly lower PPV of low-positive anti-MOG in adults, possibly reflecting the lower prevalence of MOG antibody-associated disease among adults tested. Timing of sample collection relative to administration of immunotherapy and symptom onset may substantially impact titers, indicating that testing should ideally be performed prior to immunotherapy and close to time of attack.