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Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody (PLA2R) Quantitative Test

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Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody (PLA2R) Quantitative Test

Short Name: PLA2R Antibody Quantitative

Also known as: Anti-PLA2R Antibody Test, PLA2R Autoantibody Test, Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody Quantitative Test

Phospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody (PLA2R) Quantitative Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹6,500. Uses Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) on Serum samples. Results in Samples received by Tuesday or Friday before 11 AM are reported the same day. For home collection, reports are available online via email/WhatsApp once generated.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.

Quantitative Blood TestAll Ages🏠 Home Collection

🩺 Medically Reviewed By

Overview

To detect and quantify circulating anti-PLA2R antibodies to aid in the diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy, assess disease activity, monitor treatment response, and stratify risk of recurrence after kidney transplantation.

Test Code
3547
Price
₹6,500
Sample Type
Serum
Result Time
Samples received by Tuesday or Friday before 11 AM are reported the same day. For home collection, reports are available online via email/WhatsApp once generated.
Fasting Required
No
Method
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Step 1

Sample Collection

No special preparation or fasting is required. Continue all regular medications unless your physician advises otherwise.

Method: Blood sample drawn from a vein in the arm

Step 2

Laboratory Analysis

A blood sample is drawn by a trained phlebotomist from a vein in your arm using a sterile, single-use needle.

Step 3

Report Delivery

You may resume normal activities immediately after the blood draw. Keep the pressure bandage on for a few hours to prevent bruising.

Timeline: Samples received by Tuesday or Friday before 11 AM are reported the same day. For home collection, reports are available online via email/WhatsApp once generated.

About This Test

Who Should Get This Test

To detect and quantify circulating anti-PLA2R antibodies to aid in the diagnosis of primary membranous nephropathy, assess disease activity, monitor treatment response, and stratify risk of recurrence after kidney transplantation.

How to Prepare

  • No fasting required
  • Inform your doctor of all medications and over-the-counter supplements, especially biotin
  • Wear a short-sleeved shirt or loose sleeves for easy venipuncture

Doctor's Notes

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

"Anti-PLA2R antibody testing has transformed the non-invasive diagnosis and monitoring of primary membranous nephropathy."

Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026

Test Parameters & Specifications

Sample TypeSerum
Sample Volume3 mL (1 mL min. serum)
ContainerSST Tube (Serum Separator Tube)
Collection MethodBlood sample drawn from a vein in the arm

Sample Stability

8 hours
14 days
4 weeks
Sample Rejection Criteria:
  • Hemolyzed specimen
  • Clotted specimen if insufficient serum
  • Incorrectly labeled sample
  • Sample stored beyond stability limit
  • Sample collected in non-SST tube

Understanding Your Results

Interpretation of anti-PLA2R antibody results requires integration with clinical history, urine protein levels, renal function, and histologic findings when available. The antibody titre is expressed in RU/mL; higher values generally indicate a more active immunologic process.
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Consistent with primary membranous nephropathy. High levels at diagnosis may correlate with proteinuria; a rising titre on follow-up may indicate relapse or inadequate therapy.

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No significant anti-PLA2R antibody detected. If clinical and biopsy findings suggest MN, the patient may be seronegative; consider alternative causes and follow clinically.

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Equivocal result. Repeat testing in 2-4 weeks is recommended. Correlation with clinical status and urinary protein is essential.

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Favourable treatment response; may correspond to decline in proteinuria.

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May suggest ongoing immunologic activity, higher risk of recurrence post-transplant, or insufficient immunosuppression.

⚠️ When to Consult a Doctor:

Consult a nephrologist immediately if you notice swelling in the legs, face or abdomen, foamy urine, unexplained weight gain, high blood pressure, or fatigue. These may be signs of membranous nephropathy or other kidney disease. The PLA2R antibody test may be recommended as part of your diagnostic work-up.

Limitations

  • Approximately 20-30% of patients with primary membranous nephropathy are seronegative for anti-PLA2R; a negative result does not rule out the disease.
  • Anti-PLA2R levels do not always correlate perfectly with clinical disease activity; other factors may influence proteinuria and renal function.
  • Borderline results must be repeated or interpreted in clinical context.
  • Quantitative results should not be used alone to determine transplant candidacy or treatment escalation; comprehensive clinical assessment is required.

Risks & Considerations

  • Mild pain or bruising at the venipuncture site
  • Hematoma formation
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Rare infection (with any blood draw)

Interfering Factors

  • Severe hemolysis may interfere with enzyme immunoassay (EIA) methodology.
  • High levels of biotin supplements may affect immunoassay results.
  • Lipemic or icteric samples may produce unreliable readings.
  • Recent immunosuppressive therapy may lower antibody levels and mask true disease activity.

Compare With Similar Tests

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ComparisonPhospholipase A2 Receptor Antibody (PLA2R) Quantitative Test

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the PLA2R antibody test?
The PLA2R antibody test measures the level of autoantibodies targeting the phospholipase A2 receptor on podocytes in the kidney. It is used mainly in the diagnosis and management of primary membranous nephropathy (MN).
Why has my doctor ordered a PLA2R quantitative test?
Your doctor may suspect membranous nephropathy based on symptoms like proteinuria, frothy urine, or swelling. This test helps confirm the immune cause and can predict disease activity or recurrence.
Do I need to fast before the PLA2R test?
No. You do not need to fast. Your blood can be collected at any time of the day.
What does a positive PLA2R antibody result mean?
A positive result suggests that your immune system is producing antibodies against the PLA2R receptor. This is most often associated with primary membranous nephropathy. Higher levels may indicate more active disease.
What does a negative PLA2R result mean?
A negative result indicates that anti-PLA2R antibodies were not detected in your blood. However, about one in five patients with primary MN is seronegative. Therefore, your doctor may still recommend a kidney biopsy if clinical suspicion is high.
Can this test be used to monitor treatment response?
Yes. Serial quantitative PLA2R antibody measurements are helpful in assessing response to immunosuppressive therapy. A declining titre often correlates with a good response and reduction in proteinuria.
How is the PLA2R quantitative test performed?
A small blood sample is taken from a vein in your arm in a serum separator tube. The sample is sent to the laboratory where it is processed using an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) technique.
Is the PLA2R test a replacement for kidney biopsy?
Not always. The test may help avoid a biopsy in patients who are strongly positive for PLA2R and have typical clinical features, but a biopsy remains the gold standard for definitive diagnosis and assessing disease severity.
What is the price of the PLA2R quantitative test at DNA Labs India?
The test costs INR 6500, which includes free home sample collection across many cities in India. Additional charges may apply for outstation or special logistics.
Is home sample collection available for this test?
Yes. DNA Labs India offers free home sample collection for online bookings of the PLA2R quantitative test in all major cities including Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata, Pune, Ahmedabad, and more.
When will I get the report?
If your sample is received by Tuesday or Friday before 11 AM, the report is typically available the same day. You will receive it via email, WhatsApp, or the patient portal.
Can PLA2R antibody levels predict recurrence after kidney transplant?
In patients with chronic kidney disease awaiting a transplant, higher anti-PLA2R levels are associated with a greater risk of MN recurrence in the transplanted kidney. Monitoring levels helps guide transplant decisions.
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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