What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing memory problems, recent head trauma, or other neurological symptoms and want to understand what's happening in your brain. It measures a protein called GFAP that rises when brain cells called astrocytes are stressed or damaged. Many people use this test after a head injury or when tracking a known neurological condition.

What's included in this test?

This test measures a single, specific marker: glial fibrillary acidic protein. Because GFAP is released by brain support cells called astrocytes when they're stressed or damaged, checking this one marker gives a focused window into brain cell injury or repair activity.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what a normal GFAP range looks like and where your number falls. If your level is elevated, the report will walk you through sensible next steps, such as retesting to check the trend or seeking medical care if you have severe symptoms like confusion or worsening headaches. You can download a standard lab report anytime from your account, and if you test again later, the trends feature lets you see how your levels change over time.

What is GFAP and why does it matter?

GFAP stands for glial fibrillary acidic protein, a protein made by astrocytes, which are cells that support and protect neurons in the brain. When the brain is injured or affected by disease, astrocytes ramp up GFAP production as part of a repair response called astrogliosis. Tracking this marker helps show whether something is currently affecting brain tissue.

When will I get my results?

Lab processing for this test typically takes about 7 days from the time your sample is collected. Once ready, your results are posted directly to your online account, so you can check back after about a week without needing to call anyone.

Who should consider this test?

This test is worth considering if you've had a recent head injury, are managing a known neurological condition, or have unexplained neurological symptoms like memory changes or coordination problems. It's also useful for people wanting a baseline reading to compare against future results. Anyone concerned about ongoing brain cell stress from conditions like stroke or a neurodegenerative disease may also benefit.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms like memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, headaches after a head injury, or new coordination and balance problems are common reasons people look into this test. Sudden changes in mood or thinking after a fall or accident are also worth checking. If symptoms are severe or came on suddenly, seek medical care right away rather than waiting on lab results.

What does high GFAP mean?

A high GFAP result suggests that astrocytes, the brain's support cells, are actively responding to some kind of stress or damage. This can happen after a head injury, during a stroke, or with ongoing neurodegenerative changes in the brain. A high result is a signal to retest and track the trend over time, and to seek medical care promptly if you have concerning symptoms.

What causes high or low GFAP?

High GFAP is most often linked to recent brain injury, stroke, brain tumors, or ongoing neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer's disease or multiple sclerosis. Lower than expected GFAP has been noted in some mental health conditions like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and depression, though it isn't used as a primary marker for those conditions. Your specific pattern of results is best understood alongside your symptoms and health history.

How often should I retest?

If you're monitoring recovery after a head injury or tracking a known neurological condition, retesting every few months can help show whether your GFAP levels are trending up, down, or holding steady. If your first result was elevated, a shorter retest interval, such as 4-6 weeks, can help confirm whether it's improving. Use the trends feature in your account to line up multiple results side by side.

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.

GFAP Blood Test - Brain Injury & Neurological Markers

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

[email protected]

GFAP Blood Test for Brain Injury & Neurological Health

Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP)

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

What's this test for?

What's included in this test?

What happens after I get my results?

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GFAP Blood Test for Brain Injury & Neurological Health

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

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