What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sudden vision loss, eye pain, or weakness and numbness that could point to problems with your spinal cord or optic nerve. It helps identify whether an autoimmune condition called neuromyelitis optica (NMO), also known as Devic disease, could be behind these symptoms. It's especially useful if you've had repeated episodes of optic neuritis or unexplained spinal cord inflammation.

What's included in this test?

This test measures antibodies your immune system may be producing against a protein called aquaporin-4, which plays a role in how your nervous system manages fluid balance. When these antibodies attack this protein, it can damage the optic nerve and spinal cord, leading to the symptoms seen in NMO. If your initial result comes back positive, the lab automatically runs a follow-up titer test to measure how much antibody is present, giving a clearer picture of disease activity.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative result means. If your result is positive, the report will explain the reflex titer value and what that level typically indicates, along with suggested next steps like seeking prompt medical care given the seriousness of this condition. You can download a standard lab report for your records at any time, and if you retest in the future, you'll be able to track changes over time using the trends feature in your account.

How can I naturally support nervous system health?

While natural approaches can't treat an autoimmune antibody condition like this, supporting your nervous system with anti-inflammatory foods, omega-3 fatty acids, and adequate vitamin D may help overall nerve health. Regular, gentle exercise and stress management techniques like meditation can also support immune balance. These lifestyle steps work best alongside proper medical evaluation rather than as a replacement for it.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected at the lab. If your first test comes back positive, the reflex titer portion may add a small amount of extra processing time since it runs as a follow-up step. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is worth considering if you've had unexplained episodes of vision loss, eye pain, or weakness and numbness in your limbs that came on suddenly. It's also useful for people who've already been diagnosed with optic neuritis or transverse myelitis and want to understand whether an underlying autoimmune condition is driving these episodes. People with a family history of autoimmune neurological conditions may also want this information.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common warning signs include sudden vision loss or blurred vision in one or both eyes, eye pain that worsens with movement, and weakness, numbness, or paralysis in your arms or legs. Some people also notice bladder or bowel control problems, or uncontrollable nausea, vomiting, and hiccups, which can be linked to a specific type of brainstem involvement. If these symptoms come and go in episodes, that pattern is worth checking out.

What does a positive AQP4 antibody result mean?

A positive result means your immune system is producing antibodies that target aquaporin-4, a finding strongly associated with neuromyelitis optica. This doesn't automatically mean you have the disease, but combined with your symptoms, it's a significant piece of the diagnostic picture. Because NMO can cause serious, sometimes rapid nerve damage, a positive result should prompt you to seek medical care right away.

What causes a positive AQP4 antibody result?

A positive result happens when your immune system mistakenly identifies the aquaporin-4 protein, found in cells that support your optic nerve and spinal cord, as a threat and produces antibodies against it. Why this misfire happens isn't fully understood, but it's thought to involve a mix of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers. This immune response is what leads to the inflammation and damage seen in NMO.

How often should I retest?

If your result is negative but your symptoms continue or worsen, retesting after a new episode can help since antibody levels can fluctuate. If you're already diagnosed and tracking disease activity, the titer portion of this test may be repeated periodically to monitor changes. Use the trends feature in your account to keep an easy record of results over time.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

AQP4 (NMO) Antibody Test - Vision & Spine Symptoms

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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