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Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody (PLA2R) Qualitative Test

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Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody (PLA2R) Qualitative Test

Short Name: PLA2R Qualitative Test

Also known as: Anti-PLA2R Antibody, Qualitative, PLA2R Autoantibody Test, PLA2R IFA Test

Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody (PLA2R) Qualitative Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹6,000. Uses Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) on Serum samples. Results in Samples for the PLA2R qualitative test are accepted on Tuesday and Friday by 9:00 am. Reports are generally issued on the same day. Please check with the laboratory for the current collection schedule.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Qualitative Antibody DetectionAll Age Groups🏠 Home Collection

✍️ Written By

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Dr Ramarao Paidisetty

Dr Ramarao Paidisetty

Consultant Biochemist · Reg: 21504

Last reviewed: September 7, 2026

Overview

This test is intended to detect the presence of IgG class autoantibodies against phospholipase A2 receptors in serum. Positive results are highly specific for primary membranous nephropathy and can be found in up to 70–75% of patients. The result helps nephrologists establish the diagnosis, plan further evaluation and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures in suitable patients.

Test Code
3549
ICD Code
N04.2
Price
₹6,000
Sample Type
Serum
Result Time
Samples for the PLA2R qualitative test are accepted on Tuesday and Friday by 9:00 am. Reports are generally issued on the same day. Please check with the laboratory for the current collection schedule.
Fasting Required
Yes
Method
Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
Step 1

Sample Collection

Overnight fasting is preferred. Inform your doctor about all current medicines, especially immunosuppressive drugs. Do not stop any prescribed medication without medical advice.

Method: Venipuncture

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A blood sample will be collected by venipuncture from a vein in your arm. The procedure takes only a few minutes.

Step 3

Report Delivery

You may leave the collection area immediately after the procedure and resume routine activities unless your doctor advises otherwise. Mild bruising at the puncture site usually resolves quickly.

Timeline: Samples for the PLA2R qualitative test are accepted on Tuesday and Friday by 9:00 am. Reports are generally issued on the same day. Please check with the laboratory for the current collection schedule.

Patient Instructions

1
Before the Test:Overnight fasting is preferred. No other special preparation is usually required.
2
During the Test:A blood sample will be collected from a vein in your arm using a sterile needle and a serum separator tube.
3
After the Test:You can resume normal activity and diet immediately after sample collection.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

This test is intended to detect the presence of IgG class autoantibodies against phospholipase A2 receptors in serum. Positive results are highly specific for primary membranous nephropathy and can be found in up to 70–75% of patients. The result helps nephrologists establish the diagnosis, plan further evaluation and avoid unnecessary invasive procedures in suitable patients.

How to Prepare

  • Overnight fasting is preferred.
  • Please carry your prescription or lab requisition form.
  • Inform the phlebotomist if you have any bleeding disorder or are taking blood thinners.
  • Where clinically appropriate, the sample should be collected before starting immunosuppressive treatment.

Doctor's Notes

Reviewed by — MBBS, MD (Biochemistry) · Reg. No. 21504

"Anti-PLA2R antibody testing is a valuable non-invasive aid in the diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy. A positive qualitative result, when correlated with proteinuria and hypoalbuminemia, can support the clinical diagnosis and guide appropriate referral to nephrology."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeSerum
Sample Volume2 mL (1 mL min.)
Container1 SST (Serum Separator Tube)
Collection MethodVenipuncture

Sample Stability

Room Temperature6 hours
Refrigerator1 week
Frozen2 weeks
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Hemolyzed specimens may be rejected or require recollection.
  • Improperly labelled samples.
  • Sample received outside the stability period.
  • Inadequate sample volume (less than 1 mL serum).

Understanding Your Results

The PLA2R qualitative test result is reported as negative or positive.
📊

Negative

No PLA2R antibody detected. This does not exclude primary membranous nephropathy, as about 25–30% of patients may be seronegative.

📊

Positive

PLA2R antibody detected. A positive result supports the diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy when correlated with clinical findings and other laboratory tests.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

If you or someone you know has persistent swelling in the legs or feet, frothy urine, unexplained fatigue or weight gain, or blood tests showing proteinuria and low albumin, consult a nephrologist for further evaluation. Do not wait for symptoms to become severe.

Limitations

  • ⚠The qualitative test does not provide antibody concentration and is not intended for precise monitoring of disease activity.
  • ⚠A negative result does not rule out primary membranous nephropathy, as up to 25–30% of patients may have undetectable PLA2R antibodies.
  • ⚠The result must be interpreted together with urine protein, serum albumin, renal function and, when indicated, kidney biopsy.

Risks & Considerations

  • ●Minor pain or bruising at the venipuncture site
  • ●Dizziness or faintness during the blood draw
  • ●Very low risk of infection or prolonged bleeding

Interfering Factors

  • ●Immunosuppressive therapy may lower autoantibody levels and cause a false-negative result.
  • ●Severely lipemic or hemolyzed samples may affect assay reliability.
  • ●Recent initiation of therapy may change antibody levels independent of clinical disease.

Compare With Similar Tests

TestPhospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody (PLA2R) Qualitative TestPLA2R Qualitative vs Kidney BiopsyPLA2R Qualitative vs Quantitative
ComparisonPhospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody (PLA2R) Qualitative Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody (PLA2R) Qualitative Test?
It is a blood test that detects autoantibodies against the phospholipase A2 receptor. It helps evaluate patients with suspected primary membranous nephropathy.
What is the cost of the PLA2R Qualitative Test at DNA Labs India?
The test costs Rs 6000. This includes free home sample collection for online bookings across selected cities in India.
Is fasting required for the PLA2R antibody test?
Overnight fasting is preferred before sample collection. Follow the instructions given by your doctor or the laboratory.
What sample is used for the PLA2R Qualitative Test?
The test requires 2 mL (1 mL minimum) of serum, collected in a Serum Separator Tube (SST).
What does a positive PLA2R antibody result mean?
A positive result indicates detection of anti-PLA2R antibodies, supporting the diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy. Your nephrologist will interpret the result along with urine and blood tests.
What does a negative PLA2R antibody result mean?
A negative result means anti-PLA2R antibodies were not detected. It does not completely rule out membranous nephropathy, since about 25–30% of primary MGN patients may test negative.
Is a kidney biopsy still needed if PLA2R antibody is positive?
In some patients, a positive anti-PLA2R antibody may avoid an initial biopsy, but a biopsy may still be needed to assess disease activity, severity, or if atypical features are present. Your nephrologist will decide.
Is the PLA2R antibody test used to monitor treatment?
The qualitative test mainly supports diagnosis. If monitoring antibody levels over time is needed, your doctor may order a quantitative PLA2R antibody test.
What is the turn-around time for the PLA2R Qualitative Test?
The sample is accepted on Tuesday and Friday by 9 am, and the report is generally delivered the same day.
Does DNA Labs India provide home sample collection for this test?
Yes, free home sample collection is available for online bookings of the PLA2R Qualitative Test in multiple cities across India.
Are there any special preparations before the test?
Overnight fasting is preferred. Please inform your doctor about any medicines you are taking, especially immunosuppressants, as they can affect antibody levels.
Is the PLA2R antibody test a genetic test?
No. The PLA2R qualitative test is an autoantibody blood test, not a genetic test.
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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