What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unexplained neurological symptoms like sudden memory problems, difficulty with balance or coordination, double vision, or muscle weakness that came on quickly. It helps identify a rare autoimmune reaction where your body's immune system attacks nerve tissue, sometimes triggered by an underlying tumor. It's often used when other common causes of these symptoms have already been ruled out.

What's included in this test?

This test looks for two specific antibodies, called anti-Ma and anti-Ta, that your immune system may produce when it mistakenly attacks certain nerve cells. These antibodies are strongly linked to paraneoplastic neurological syndromes, which are nervous system problems that can occur alongside certain cancers. Detecting them can help explain unusual neurological symptoms and guide what additional evaluation may be needed.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account with each value explained so you understand what's normal and what's not. If your result is positive or unclear, the next step is usually further imaging or additional testing to check for an underlying cause, and if your symptoms are severe or worsening, seek medical care right away. You can download the full lab report from your account at any time, and if you retest in the future, the trends feature lets you track any changes over time.

How can I naturally support nervous system health?

While natural remedies can't reverse an autoimmune neurological condition, general habits like getting consistent sleep, eating an anti-inflammatory diet rich in omega-3s, and managing stress can support overall nerve and immune function. Staying physically active within your ability and avoiding alcohol and smoking can also help protect nerve health. These steps are supportive, not a substitute for addressing the underlying cause of your symptoms.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being received at the lab. Because this is a specialized antibody test, it takes a bit longer than routine bloodwork. 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 sudden or unexplained neurological symptoms such as memory loss, seizures, unsteady walking, or vision changes, especially when a cause isn't obvious. It's also useful for people with a known cancer diagnosis who develop new neurological symptoms, since these antibodies can sometimes appear before a tumor is found. If you fall into either group, this test can provide helpful information for further evaluation.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms linked to these antibodies include sudden confusion or memory problems, difficulty with coordination or balance, double vision, seizures, or unusual muscle weakness or numbness. Symptoms often develop quickly, over days to weeks, rather than gradually. If you're noticing several of these symptoms together, this test can help clarify whether an autoimmune process is involved.

What does a positive result mean?

A positive result means your body has produced anti-Ma or anti-Ta antibodies, which are associated with paraneoplastic neurological syndromes. This finding often prompts further evaluation, such as imaging scans, to look for an underlying tumor since these syndromes can sometimes appear before a cancer is diagnosed. It's an important clue, not a final diagnosis, so timely follow-up testing matters.

What causes these antibodies to appear?

These antibodies typically appear when the immune system reacts to proteins made by certain tumors that resemble proteins found in nerve cells. This cross-reaction causes the immune system to attack healthy nerve tissue by mistake. The tumors most commonly linked to these antibodies include certain testicular, lung, and breast cancers, though not everyone with a positive result has cancer.

How often should I retest?

If you're being monitored for treatment response or symptom changes, retesting every few months may be recommended to track how antibody levels change over time. If your first result was negative but symptoms persist or worsen, retesting or additional testing may still be useful. Use the trends feature in your account to keep an eye on any changes across multiple tests.

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.

Anti-Ma/Ta Antibody Test - Neurological Symptom Check

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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