What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained neurological symptoms like muscle weakness, loss of coordination, vision changes, or unusual eye and muscle movements that haven't been explained by other testing. It looks for antibodies your body may produce in response to certain cancers, which can sometimes cause nerve and brain-related symptoms before a tumor is even found. It's often used when someone has a personal or family history of cancer and new, hard-to-explain nervous system symptoms show up.

What's included in this test?

This panel checks for three specific antibodies — anti-Hu, anti-Yo, and anti-Ri — each linked to different types of paraneoplastic syndromes, meaning conditions where the immune system's cancer-fighting response ends up affecting the nervous system. Because each antibody is tied to different cancer types and symptom patterns, testing for all three at once gives a fuller picture than checking just one. If any come back positive, the test automatically reflexes to titer levels and a western blot to confirm the finding.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each antibody result explained in plain terms, including whether it falls in the normal or abnormal range. If any of the antibodies come back positive, the report will walk you through what that means and outline next steps, which may include additional titer testing or a confirmatory western blot that can be triggered automatically as part of this test. You can download a standard lab report anytime from your account, and if you retest in the future, the trends feature lets you compare results side by side over time. If a result is significantly abnormal, it's a good idea to seek follow-up care promptly.

How can I naturally support nervous system health?

While this test detects antibody-driven conditions that go beyond what lifestyle changes alone can fix, supporting your nervous system with a balanced diet rich in B vitamins, omega-3 fatty acids, and antioxidants can help overall nerve function. Regular gentle exercise, quality sleep, and managing stress can also support your body's ability to cope with inflammation. These steps are helpful additions but are not a substitute for prompt evaluation if your results come back abnormal.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. Because this test can automatically reflex to additional titer and western blot testing when initial results are positive, turnaround may take a bit longer in those cases. You'll be notified as soon as your results are available in your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with unexplained neurological symptoms such as sudden coordination problems, muscle weakness, abnormal eye movements, or sensory changes, especially when combined with a personal or family history of cancers like small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer. It's also useful for people already diagnosed with one of these cancers who develop new neurological symptoms. If you fall into either group, this panel can help identify whether a paraneoplastic antibody may be involved.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Symptoms that may point to needing this test include sudden loss of balance or coordination, muscle weakness, numbness or tingling, rapid eye movements or twitching, memory or cognitive changes, and difficulty swallowing or speaking. These symptoms are especially significant if they develop quickly and don't have an obvious cause. If you're experiencing several of these at once, especially alongside a cancer history, this test can help clarify what's going on.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result for anti-Hu, anti-Yo, or anti-Ri antibodies suggests your immune system is producing antibodies commonly associated with paraneoplastic syndromes, conditions where cancer triggers an immune response that affects the nervous system. This doesn't confirm cancer on its own, but it's a strong signal that further evaluation, including imaging and possibly the reflexed titer and western blot results, is needed. It's important to seek prompt follow-up care if you receive a positive result, since early detection of an underlying cancer can significantly improve outcomes.

What causes these antibodies to appear?

These antibodies typically appear when the immune system, in the process of attacking a tumor, mistakenly also targets proteins found in nerve cells because they resemble proteins found on certain cancer cells. This cross-reaction is why anti-Hu, anti-Yo, and anti-Ri antibodies are considered markers of paraneoplastic syndromes rather than direct causes of illness themselves. Certain cancers, particularly small cell lung cancer, breast cancer, and gynecologic cancers, are most commonly linked to these antibody responses.

How often should I retest?

Retesting isn't typically done on a routine schedule for this panel since it's usually ordered when specific symptoms are present rather than for general screening. If your initial results are negative but symptoms persist or worsen, retesting or additional evaluation may be worthwhile. If you've previously tested positive and are monitoring a condition, your care plan may call for periodic titer checks, which the trends feature in your account can help track 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.

Hu, Yo, Ri Antibody Test - Paraneoplastic Screening

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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