Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test
Also known as: Autoimmune Encephalitis Profile - 1, Serum
Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test Overview
Autoimmune encephalitis is a debilitating inflammatory disorder of the brain causing various neurological signs and symptoms. They often present with seizures and neuropsychiatric symptoms. Apart from the clinical history and presentation, various laboratory tests also supplement and help in diagnosing the condition. Autoimmune encephalitis panel consists of a group of tests to detect antibodies against specific receptors. These include NMDA, AMPA (GluR1 &GluR2), GABA B receptor, and VGKC (LGI1, CASPR2).
The Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test is a specialised diagnostic tool designed to identify autoantibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis, a rare but potentially serious neurological disorder. This test plays a crucial role in diagnosing conditions where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells, leading to inflammation and various neurological symptoms.
Autoimmune encephalitis can present with a wide range of symptoms, including confusion, memory loss, seizures, and behavioural changes. The Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test provides valuable insights into the underlying autoimmune processes, enabling doctors to differentiate autoimmune encephalitis from other neurological conditions and initiate targeted therapies to manage the condition effectively.
Created by : Dr.Shibani R Medical Writer, Medical Affairs
Reasons for Undergoing the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test
There are several reasons why a doctor may recommend undergoing the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test:
- If you experience subacute, progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms that cannot be attributed to other causes
- Unexplained memory loss, confusion, or difficulty concentrating
- If you develop unusual movements or muscle rigidity that cannot be explained by other conditions
- Seizures that are suspected to have an autoimmune origin
List of Parameters Considered During the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test
The Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test measures the presence of various autoantibodies that target specific brain receptors:
- NMDA Receptor Antibodies: The presence of these antibodies indicates a risk of neurological disorders, particularly NMDA receptor encephalitis.
- AMPA Receptor Antibodies (GluR1 & GluR2): These antibodies suggest the possibility of autoimmune neurological syndromes or certain paraneoplastic syndromes.
- GABA-B Receptor Antibodies: The presence of these antibodies is associated with autoimmune neurological syndromes.
- VGKC (LGI1, CASPR2) Antibodies: LGI1 antibodies are commonly linked to limbic encephalitis, while CASPR2 antibodies are associated with other autoimmune encephalitis syndromes.
- GAD65 Antibodies: These antibodies are often found in stiff-person syndrome and other autoimmune neurological disorders.
- Glycine Receptor Antibodies: The presence of these antibodies is associated with progressive encephalomyelitis with rigidity and myoclonus (PERM).
- DPPX Antibodies: These antibodies are linked to a distinct form of autoimmune encephalitis with specific clinical features.
Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test Preparation
To prepare for the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test, consider the following steps:
- Specimen Collection: A venous blood sample is required for the test and is usually collected from a vein in your arm using a needle. The skin will be disinfected before the needle is inserted.
- Pre-Medication: It is recommended to collect the specimen before initiating immunosuppressant medication or intravenous immunoglobulin treatment to ensure optimal antibody detection.
- No Fasting Required: There is no specific fasting requirement for this test, so you can proceed with your normal dietary habits.
Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test Results & Interpretation
The results of the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test indicate the presence or absence of specific autoantibodies:
- Positive Results: If autoantibodies are detected, the results should be correlated with clinical findings to confirm the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis. The presence of these autoantibodies in serum or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) aids in establishing a definitive diagnosis.
- Negative Results: A negative result does not necessarily rule out autoimmune encephalitis, and further evaluation may be necessary based on clinical symptoms and other diagnostic tests.
Home Collection for Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test Near You
Metropolis Healthcare offers a convenient home collection service for the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test, ensuring comfort and safety for patients. A trained phlebotomist will visit your doorstep to collect the blood sample, maintaining high standards of sample handling and testing accuracy. This service eliminates the need to visit a clinic or hospital, making it easier for individuals with mobility issues or busy schedules to undergo the test. With timely and reliable results, Metropolis Healthcare's home collection service demonstrates their commitment to making healthcare accessible and providing quality diagnostic solutions in the comfort of your own home.
Autoimmune Encephalitis Profile - 1, Serum Price
Metropolis Healthcare is a leading diagnostics centre and pathology lab in India equipped with the latest state-of-the-art technologies that provides the Autoimmune Encephalitis Profile - 1, Serum with a clear pricing structure.
The Autoimmune Encephalitis Profile - 1, Serum Price in Ahmedabad is ₹ 24,150 .
We are committed to deliver accurate and quality results from the best labs in India with complete transparency regarding test cost and turnaround time. No matter where you are, we strive to offer patients high-quality service that is affordable and accessible.
Frequently Asked Questions
- The test is used in patients presenting with neurological and behavioural symptoms for the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis.
- Tests are useful in detecting the antibodies against different neurological receptors.
- NMDA: Antibodies against glutamate receptor (type NMDA - NR1) are specific markers for anti-glutamate receptor (type NMDA) encephalitis, an inflammatory encephalopathy autoimmune disease.
- AMPA : Test is done if patient has partial onset seizures or generalized tonic clonic seizures.
- GABA receptor: These receptors are responsible for signal transmission and associated autoimmunities manifest with seizures and neuropsychiatric symptoms.
- VGKC [LGI1]: LGI1 antibodies test help in diagnosis of autoimmune limbic encephalitis.
Autoimmune encephalitis panel includes 4 tests to detect the presence or absence of antibodies against NMDA receptors, AMPA (GluR1 & GluR2), GABA B receptor, and VGKC (LGI1, ASPR2)
This test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.
- NMDA: Positive result may indicate risk of neurological disorder. Results should be correlated with the clinical findings.
- AMPA & GABA : Positive antibody result may indicate autoimmune neurological syndrome or certain paraneoplastic syndromes.
- LGI1: Presence of these antibodies are probably considered as most common cause of limbic encephalitis. All results should be correlated with the clinical findings.
Negative results do not rule out the disease and a clinician should be consulted for further treatment.
The Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test is a diagnostic tool that identifies autoantibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis, a neurological disorder where the immune system attacks healthy brain cells, causing inflammation and various neurological symptoms.
Yes, home sample collection is available for the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test. Some diagnostic centres like Metropolis offer free home sample collection services for the convenience of patients.
The Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test measures the presence or absence of specific autoantibodies rather than numerical levels. Normal results indicate no detectable autoantibodies, while positive results suggest the presence of these antibodies associated with autoimmune encephalitis.
The Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test is used to diagnose autoimmune encephalitis by detecting specific autoantibodies in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that are associated with this condition.
The frequency of testing for the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test depends on clinical necessity and should be determined by your doctor based on your symptoms and initial test results.
There is no specific time recommendation for the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test; it can be done at any time as per your doctor's advice.
No, fasting is not required for the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test, making it a convenient diagnostic tool for patients.
Ideally, the specimen collection for the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test should be done before starting immunosuppressant medication or intravenous immunoglobulin treatment to ensure accurate results.
The Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test includes tests for NMDA receptor antibodies, AMPA receptor antibodies, GABA-B receptor antibodies, VGKC (LGI1, CASPR2) antibodies, GAD65 antibodies, Glycine receptor antibodies, and DPPX antibodies.
The Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test should be done when a patient presents with subacute, progressive neuropsychiatric symptoms, cognitive dysfunction, movement disorders, or autoimmune seizures that cannot be attributed to other causes.
The blood collection process for the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test is quick, typically taking a few minutes. The overall process, including preparation and sample handling, may take about 30 minutes to an hour.
Reports for the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel Test are usually available within a week hours depending on the day/time of sample collection and processing, enabling prompt diagnosis and treatment decisions.
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