Advances in the laboratory evaluation of peripheral neuropathies.

Peripheral neuropathy is a common clinical problem in neurology and laboratory testing is an integral part of diagnosis. In the past few years, practice parameters have been published to establish an evidence-based guide to neuropathy testing. There are many tests that are common and accepted in practice, but there is no clear mandate on which tests are necessary. This article reviews recent practice parameter publications as well as other updates in laboratory testing for peripheral neuropathy, including the roles of lipid profile, genetic testing, antibody titers, and B(12) testing in a specific dopamine-treated Parkinson's patients. These can serve as recommendations to help guide laboratory testing.