What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing sudden psychiatric changes, seizures, memory problems, or unexplained breathing difficulties that came on quickly. It checks for a specific antibody linked to a rare but serious condition called anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, which causes the immune system to mistakenly attack brain cells. It's often used when someone develops confusing neurological or behavioral symptoms without a clear cause.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with an explanation of what a positive or negative result means. If your result is positive, seek medical care promptly since this condition can progress quickly and needs urgent attention. A negative result along with ongoing symptoms may mean further testing is needed, and you can retest later if symptoms change. You can download the full lab report from your account anytime and track any future results over time using the trends feature.

What is anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and why does it matter?

Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis happens when your immune system makes antibodies that attack a protein (the NMDA receptor) that brain cells need to communicate properly. This can cause sudden psychiatric symptoms, seizures, memory loss, and even problems with breathing or heart rate. It matters because early detection and treatment can significantly improve recovery, so catching it quickly is important.

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 looks for a specific antibody, it takes a bit longer than routine bloodwork. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are available in your account.

Who should consider this test?

This test is worth considering if you or someone you know has had a rapid onset of psychiatric symptoms, unexplained seizures, memory issues, or abnormal movements, especially without a clear cause. It's also relevant if these symptoms follow a viral illness or occur alongside unexplained breathing changes. People being evaluated for unusual, fast-progressing neurological symptoms are the main candidates.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Watch for sudden changes in behavior or personality, hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, memory problems, seizures, or unusual movements. Some people also experience trouble speaking, muscle stiffness, or irregular breathing and heart rate. If these symptoms appear suddenly and worsen over days to weeks, this test may help identify the cause.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means the antibody linked to anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis was found in your blood, which suggests your immune system may be attacking brain tissue. This is considered urgent and you should seek medical care right away, since prompt treatment leads to better outcomes. Waiting is not recommended if you're also having active symptoms like seizures or confusion.

What does a negative result mean?

A negative result means this specific antibody wasn't detected, which makes anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis less likely as the cause of your symptoms. However, if your symptoms are severe or ongoing, other causes should still be looked into since no single test rules out every condition. Keep track of your symptoms and consider retesting if your condition changes or worsens.

What causes this antibody to develop?

In many cases, the immune system starts producing this antibody after a viral infection or, in some cases, in association with certain tumors like ovarian teratomas. Sometimes no clear trigger is ever found. Because the causes vary, identifying a positive result is just the first step toward figuring out the underlying trigger.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result comes back positive, treat this as urgent and seek medical care as soon as possible, especially if you're having active symptoms like seizures, confusion, or breathing trouble. Bring your downloadable lab report with you so it's available for review. Fast action matters with this condition, so don't wait to see if symptoms improve on their own.

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.

NMDA Receptor Antibody Test - Encephalitis 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]

NMDA Receptor Antibody Test for Encephalitis Symptoms

NMDA Receptor (NR1-subunit) Autoantibody Test

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 happens after I get my results?

What is anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis and why does it matter?

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NMDA Receptor Antibody Test for Encephalitis Symptoms

Prescription & all lab fees included

Doctor's guidance included

Fast & convenient

1,000,000+ blood tests later, here's what our customers say