What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're concerned about your risk for type 1 diabetes, especially if you have a family history of the condition or a known high-risk genetic background. It's also useful if you or someone you know was recently diagnosed with diabetes as an adult and there's uncertainty about whether it's type 1, type 2, or a related autoimmune form called LADA. Catching early signs of islet autoimmunity can help you understand your risk before symptoms like unexplained weight loss, excessive thirst, or fatigue show up.

What's included in this test?

This test measures one specific autoantibody, IA-2, which is one of the four markers used to evaluate autoimmune activity against insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Antibody markers like this matter because their presence signals that the immune system may be mistakenly attacking the body's own insulin-producing cells, which is the hallmark of type 1 diabetes.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what a positive or negative result means for the IA-2 antibody. If your result is positive, a sensible next step is discussing additional antibody testing (like GAD65, IAA, or ZnT8) since multiple markers give a fuller picture of diabetes risk, and monitoring blood sugar levels more closely going forward. 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 over time.

How can I naturally support healthy blood sugar and immune balance?

While you can't reverse existing autoimmune activity through lifestyle alone, eating a balanced diet low in refined sugars, staying physically active, getting enough sleep, and managing stress all support steady blood sugar levels. Some research suggests adequate vitamin D and omega-3 intake may support healthy immune function, though this shouldn't replace monitoring or testing. Avoiding smoking and limiting processed foods are also generally good habits for metabolic health.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. If your initial screen is positive, the lab may automatically run a reflex titer test to measure antibody levels more precisely, which could add a small amount of time. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are posted to your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people with a first-degree relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has type 1 diabetes, since genetics play a major role in risk. It's also worth considering if you have a known high-risk genetic marker, or if you were diagnosed with diabetes as an adult and want clarity on whether it's type 1, type 2, or LADA. Anyone experiencing early warning signs like unexplained thirst, frequent urination, or fatigue alongside a family history may also benefit.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common warning signs include increased thirst, frequent urination, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, and persistent fatigue. If these symptoms appear alongside a family history of type 1 diabetes, it's worth checking for islet autoimmunity. Adults who were diagnosed with diabetes but don't fit the typical type 2 profile (like not being overweight) may also want to check this marker.

What is islet cell antibody testing and why does it matter?

Islet cell antibodies are proteins made by the immune system that mistakenly target the insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Finding these antibodies, like IA-2, before symptoms appear can identify early-stage (presymptomatic) type 1 diabetes, which matters because some treatments can delay disease progression when caught early. This is especially useful for distinguishing autoimmune diabetes from other types that don't involve the immune system attacking the pancreas.

What does a positive IA-2 result mean?

A positive result means your immune system has antibodies that target insulin-producing cells, which is a sign of islet autoimmunity linked to type 1 diabetes. A positive IA-2 result is also associated with more advanced autoimmune activity and a faster expected progression toward full-blown type 1 diabetes compared to some other antibody markers. If you test positive, it's worth tracking blood sugar levels closely and considering testing for the other three islet autoantibodies for a complete risk picture.

How often should I retest?

If you test negative but have a strong family history or known genetic risk, retesting every 1-2 years is a reasonable approach since autoimmune activity can develop over time. If you test positive, more frequent monitoring of blood sugar and antibody levels may be helpful to track how quickly things are progressing. Your results history in your account can help you and any future testing decisions by showing patterns 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.

Islet Cell Antibody Test - Type 1 Diabetes 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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