What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained numbness, tingling, muscle weakness, vision changes, or coordination problems that could point to nerve damage. It's also useful if you've had a recent head injury, stroke, or CNS trauma and want to check for related nerve tissue breakdown. Myelin Basic Protein testing helps flag whether the protective coating around your nerves may be damaged, which is a key marker in conditions like multiple sclerosis.

What's included in this test?

This test measures Myelin Basic Protein, a substance released into cerebrospinal fluid or blood when the protective coating around nerve fibers is damaged. Checking this single marker helps assess whether nerve tissue breakdown may be occurring, which matters for understanding conditions affecting the brain and spinal cord.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will be available in your account, with each value's normal range clearly explained. If your MBP level is elevated, next steps typically involve retesting to confirm the pattern and tracking any new symptoms like numbness, weakness, or vision changes over time. A downloadable standard lab report is available in your account, and you can use the trends feature to monitor your MBP levels over multiple tests. If your result is significantly elevated alongside severe symptoms like sudden vision loss or paralysis, seek medical care right away.

How can I naturally support nerve and brain health?

Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, like fatty fish, walnuts, and flaxseed, can help support the fatty coating around your nerves. Getting enough vitamin B12 and vitamin D, staying physically active, and managing stress through good sleep also support healthy nerve function. Avoiding smoking and limiting alcohol can further reduce inflammation that may affect nerve tissue.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. Once processed, they'll be posted directly to your secure online account, and you'll be notified as soon as they're available.

Who should consider this test?

People with symptoms like numbness, muscle weakness, vision problems, or balance issues that could suggest nerve damage should consider this test. It's also relevant for those recovering from a head injury, stroke, or CNS trauma, or anyone being monitored for a demyelinating condition like multiple sclerosis. If you have a family history of MS or similar conditions and are noticing new neurological symptoms, this test can offer useful information.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms include numbness or tingling in your limbs, muscle weakness, blurred or double vision, poor coordination or balance, and unusual fatigue. Sudden onset of these symptoms after a head injury or stroke is another reason to consider testing. If symptoms come and go or gradually worsen over time, that pattern can also be relevant.

What does high Myelin Basic Protein mean?

A high MBP level suggests that nerve fiber coating in your brain or spinal cord may be breaking down, which can happen with conditions like multiple sclerosis, stroke, brain injury, or infections affecting the central nervous system. It doesn't diagnose a specific condition on its own, but it's a signal that further evaluation of your neurological symptoms is worthwhile. Retesting and tracking your symptoms over time helps build a clearer picture.

What causes elevated Myelin Basic Protein levels?

Elevated MBP can result from demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis, physical trauma to the head or spinal cord, brain tumors, stroke, or viral infections affecting the central nervous system like encephalitis. Any process that damages the protective coating around nerve fibers can raise this marker. The specific cause usually requires looking at your symptoms and other test results together.

How often should I retest?

If your MBP level is elevated or you have ongoing neurological symptoms, retesting every few months can help track whether levels are rising, falling, or staying stable. If you're monitoring a known condition, more frequent testing may be useful during symptom flare-ups. Using the trends feature in your account makes it easy to see these changes 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.

Myelin Basic Protein Test - Nerve Damage 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

[email protected]

Myelin Basic Protein Test — Nerve Damage & MS Marker