What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing muscle weakness that starts in your hips, thighs, or shoulders and seems to get better briefly after exercise. It's also useful if you've been diagnosed with small cell lung cancer or have risk factors for it, since this type of muscle weakness can sometimes show up alongside that cancer. Many people who need this test also notice dry mouth, drooping eyelids, or trouble climbing stairs and standing from a seated position.

What's included in this test?

This panel checks for specific antibodies that attack calcium channels on your nerve endings, which is what causes the muscle weakness seen in Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Finding these antibodies helps confirm whether your symptoms are caused by this autoimmune reaction rather than another muscle or nerve condition. Because this condition is often linked to lung cancer, catching it early can prompt further screening that catches other health issues sooner too.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with a clear explanation of what a normal versus abnormal range looks like for this antibody test. If your result is positive, the report will explain what that means and note that further evaluation may be needed given the link between this condition and lung cancer. 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.

How can I naturally support nerve and muscle health?

While natural approaches can't reverse an autoimmune antibody reaction, some habits support overall nerve and muscle function. Gentle, regular movement like walking or stretching can help maintain muscle strength without causing excess fatigue. Eating foods rich in B vitamins, magnesium, and omega-3 fats supports nerve health, and getting enough sleep helps your body manage inflammation. These steps are supportive only and are not a substitute for addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms.

When will I get my results?

Results for this antibody panel are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being collected. This turnaround allows time for the specialized lab work needed to detect these specific antibodies accurately. You'll get a notification when your results are ready to view in your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good option for anyone with unexplained proximal muscle weakness, especially if it improves briefly right after activity. It's also worth considering if you have small cell lung cancer or a strong risk profile for it, since this antibody condition can appear alongside that cancer. People with coexisting autoimmune thyroid disease or vitiligo who also have muscle weakness symptoms may want to check this too.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common signs include weakness in your hips and thighs that makes it hard to climb stairs or get up from a chair, along with weakness in your shoulders and arms. Some people notice their strength briefly improves right after using the muscle, then fatigues again. Dry mouth, drooping eyelids, blurred vision, and a tingling sensation in the hands or feet can also show up alongside the muscle weakness.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the specific antibodies linked to Lambert-Eaton syndrome were found in your blood, which supports that your muscle weakness is caused by this autoimmune condition. Because this condition is closely tied to small cell lung cancer, a positive result is often a signal to pursue further cancer screening right away. Simple next steps include reviewing your report's explanation and reaching out for a lung cancer screening evaluation.

What causes this antibody condition to develop?

This condition happens when your immune system mistakenly creates antibodies that attack calcium channels on the nerve endings that control your muscles. In most cases, this immune reaction is triggered by an underlying small cell lung cancer, though it can occasionally occur without a detectable cancer. Existing autoimmune conditions, like thyroid autoimmune disease, may make some people more prone to developing these kinds of antibody reactions.

How often should I retest?

If your first test is negative but your symptoms continue or get worse, retesting after a few months can help catch a delayed antibody response. If you test positive, your report will guide next steps rather than routine retesting, since the focus shifts to evaluating the underlying cause. Tracking your results over time with the trends feature can help you and any care team monitor changes.

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.

Lambert-Eaton Antibody Panel - Muscle Weakness Test

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]