What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained muscle weakness, tingling, numbness, or trouble walking that's gotten worse over days or weeks. It helps identify certain immune-related nerve disorders, including Guillain-Barre syndrome and chronic multifocal motor neuropathy, where your body's immune system mistakenly attacks your nerves. If you've had a recent infection followed by new weakness or coordination problems, this test can help figure out if nerve-damaging antibodies are involved.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your online account with each value explained against its normal range so you know exactly where you stand. If your antibody levels come back elevated, the report will outline what that may mean and suggest seeking medical care promptly, since nerve-related antibody findings can sometimes need urgent attention. You can download a standard lab report anytime from your account, and if you retest in the future, the trends feature lets you track changes in your results over time.

Who should consider this test?

Anyone who has developed sudden muscle weakness, especially starting in the legs and moving upward, should consider this test. It's also useful for people with long-lasting, slowly progressing weakness in their arms or legs that doesn't have an obvious cause. If you've recently recovered from an infection and now notice new nerve-related symptoms like numbness or reduced reflexes, this test can offer helpful answers.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for symptoms like rapidly spreading muscle weakness, loss of reflexes, tingling or numbness in your hands and feet, and difficulty with balance or walking. Some people also notice trouble breathing or swallowing in more severe cases, which needs immediate medical attention. Chronic, slower-developing weakness that comes and goes over months can also be a sign worth checking.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification once they're posted to your online account, where you can view and download the full report. If your results suggest something urgent, don't wait for a scheduled follow-up — seek medical care right away.

What is Guillain-Barre syndrome and why does it matter?

Guillain-Barre syndrome is a condition where your immune system attacks your own nerves, often after an infection, leading to weakness that can spread quickly through your body. It matters because early recognition can make a big difference in how the condition is managed and how quickly you recover. Catching it early through antibody testing gives you and any care team more time to act before symptoms become severe.

What does a positive antibody result mean?

A positive result for GM-1 IgG antibodies suggests a possible link to acute motor axonal neuropathy, a variant of Guillain-Barre syndrome. A positive IgM result is more often connected to chronic multifocal motor neuropathy, a longer-lasting nerve condition. Either way, a positive result is a signal to seek prompt medical evaluation since these conditions can affect movement and muscle strength significantly.

What causes these antibodies to develop?

These antibodies often form after your immune system overreacts to an infection, mistakenly targeting proteins on your own nerve cells that resemble the germ it was fighting. Common triggers include certain bacterial and viral infections, though sometimes no clear trigger is found. Genetics and overall immune system function can also play a role in who develops this reaction.

How often should I retest?

Retesting isn't usually done on a routine schedule like a cholesterol panel — it's typically ordered once to help investigate specific symptoms. If your symptoms improve or worsen after treatment, retesting later can help track whether antibody levels have changed. Use the trends feature in your account if you do retest, so you can compare results side by side.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your results show elevated GM-1 antibodies, seek medical care as soon as possible, especially if you have active muscle weakness or breathing difficulty. Bring your downloaded lab report with you so it can be reviewed alongside your symptoms. In the meantime, avoid overexertion and monitor for any worsening of weakness, numbness, or coordination problems, and seek emergency care if symptoms rapidly worsen.

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.

GM-1 Antibody Test - Nerve & Muscle Weakness Check

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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