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DNA Labs India

Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Serum & CSF Test

DNA Labs India | ISO 9001:2015 Certified

Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Serum & CSF Test

Short Name: Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel

Also known as: Anti-NMDA Receptor Encephalitis Panel, Autoimmune Encephalitis Antibody Panel

Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Serum & CSF Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹45,000. Uses Cell Based Assay, Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) on Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) samples. Results in Reports are typically available the same day if samples are received by Tuesday or Friday at 9 am.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Serum & CSF Antibody TestAll Ages🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

Overview

The purpose of this test is to detect specific antibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. It identifies antibodies such as NMDA, AMPA (GLUR1 & GLUR2), GABA-B, LGI1, and CASPR2, which are critical for diagnosing the condition and guiding treatment decisions.

Test Code
178
Price
₹45,000
Sample Type
Serum and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Result Time
Reports are typically available the same day if samples are received by Tuesday or Friday at 9 am.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Cell Based Assay, Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
Step 1

Sample Collection

No special preparation required. Inform the healthcare provider about any medications or recent treatments.

Method: Venipuncture for serum, lumbar puncture for CSF

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

Serum collection involves a standard blood draw via venipuncture. CSF collection requires a lumbar puncture procedure performed by a trained medical professional.

Step 3

Report Delivery

Apply pressure to the puncture site to prevent bleeding. Monitor for any side effects such as headache or dizziness after lumbar puncture.

Timeline: Reports are typically available the same day if samples are received by Tuesday or Friday at 9 am.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:No fasting required. Ensure proper hydration and inform the healthcare provider of any relevant medical history.
2
During the Test:The test involves blood draw and lumbar puncture. The procedures are performed by trained professionals and may take about 30-60 minutes.
3
After the Test:Resume normal activities unless advised otherwise. Report any unusual symptoms like severe headache or infection signs to a doctor.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

The purpose of this test is to detect specific antibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis in serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. It identifies antibodies such as NMDA, AMPA (GLUR1 & GLUR2), GABA-B, LGI1, and CASPR2, which are critical for diagnosing the condition and guiding treatment decisions.

How to Prepare

  • Collect 2 mL serum in an SST tube
  • Collect 1 mL CSF in a sterile screw-capped container
  • Ship samples refrigerated or frozen as indicated
  • Label samples correctly with patient details

Doctor's Notes

"Early diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis is crucial for effective treatment. This panel helps identify specific antibodies, guiding targeted therapy and improving patient outcomes."

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeSerum and Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF)
Sample Volume2 mL serum and 1 mL CSF
ContainerSST for serum, sterile screw-capped container for CSF
Collection MethodVenipuncture for serum, lumbar puncture for CSF

Sample Stability

Room Temperature6 hours
Refrigerated1 week
Frozen2 weeks
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Insufficient sample volume
  • Contaminated or hemolyzed samples
  • Incorrect container or labeling
  • Samples exceeding stability timeframes

Understanding Your Results

Results indicate the presence or absence of specific antibodies. Positive results suggest autoimmune encephalitis and guide further treatment. Negative results may require additional testing if clinical suspicion remains high.
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Positive: Strongly associated with anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Negative: No detectable antibodies.

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Positive: Associated with AMPA receptor encephalitis. Negative: No detectable antibodies.

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Positive: Linked to GABA-B receptor encephalitis. Negative: No detectable antibodies.

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Positive: Indicates LGI1 antibody encephalitis. Negative: No detectable antibodies.

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Positive: Suggests CASPR2 antibody encephalitis. Negative: No detectable antibodies.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult a neurologist immediately if experiencing symptoms such as seizures, memory loss, confusion, or behavioral changes. If test results are positive, discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider.

Limitations

  • ⚠Test may yield false negatives in early stages of disease
  • ⚠Antibody levels may not correlate directly with disease severity
  • ⚠Not all autoimmune encephalitis cases are antibody-positive
  • ⚠Requires interpretation in conjunction with clinical findings

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Lumbar puncture may cause headache, back pain, or infection
  • ●Blood draw may lead to bruising or dizziness
  • ●Rare allergic reactions to antiseptics used

Interfering Factors

  • ●Recent immunotherapy or immunosuppressant use
  • ●Sample hemolysis or contamination
  • ●Improper sample storage or handling
  • ●Cross-reactivity with other antibodies

Compare With Similar Tests

TestAutoimmune Encephalitis Panel Serum & CSF TestCSF AnalysisMRI BrainEEGOther Antibody Panels
ComparisonAutoimmune Encephalitis Panel Serum & CSF TestEvaluates general CSF parameters but does not detect specific antibodies.Imaging test to detect brain inflammation or lesions, but not specific for autoimmune antibodies.Measures electrical brain activity to identify seizures, but does not confirm autoimmune cause.May test for fewer antibodies; this panel is comprehensive for encephalitis.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is autoimmune encephalitis?
Autoimmune encephalitis is a condition where the immune system attacks the brain, causing inflammation and neurological symptoms such as memory loss, confusion, and seizures.
What does this test detect?
This test detects specific antibodies in serum and CSF, including NMDA, AMPA, GABA-B, LGI1, and CASPR2, which are associated with autoimmune encephalitis.
How is the test performed?
The test requires serum from a blood draw and cerebrospinal fluid collected via lumbar puncture. Samples are analyzed using cell-based assay and immunofluorescence assay.
Is any preparation needed before the test?
No special preparation is required. Inform your doctor about any medications you are taking.
What is the cost of the test?
The test costs INR 45000, which includes home sample collection and report delivery.
How long does it take to get results?
Results are typically available the same day if samples are received by Tuesday or Friday at 9 am.
Is home sample collection available?
Yes, DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for this test across many cities in India.
What are the symptoms of autoimmune encephalitis?
Common symptoms include memory loss, confusion, behavioral changes, seizures, muscle weakness, and difficulties with speech or coordination.
Who should get this test?
Individuals experiencing neurological symptoms suggestive of autoimmune encephalitis, as recommended by a neurologist or other healthcare provider.
What do positive results mean?
Positive results indicate the presence of antibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis, confirming the diagnosis and guiding treatment options such as immunotherapy.
Are there any risks associated with the test?
Risks are minimal but may include headache or back pain from lumbar puncture, and bruising from blood draw. Serious complications are rare.
How accurate is the test?
The test uses advanced methods for high accuracy, but results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings. False negatives can occur in early disease stages.
Worried about the process? Our certified phlebotomists collect thousands of samples every month across India. The process takes under 5 minutes and is virtually painless. Questions? Message us on WhatsApp — we're here 7 days a week.

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For Hospitals & Clinics

Reference Laboratory Services

We serve as a reference laboratory for hospitals and clinics across India. Send samples from your facility with same-day pickup, priority processing, and results delivered through our online portal. Competitive institutional pricing available.

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✓ Stored in India: All patient records are stored on servers located in India. No data is transferred outside the country.

✓ DPDP Act Compliant: Under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023, you can request deletion of your records at any time by contacting support.

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