What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing unusual movement problems like uncontrollable eye or muscle jerking, loss of balance, or coordination trouble that hasn't been explained by other causes. These symptoms can sometimes be linked to a rare autoimmune reaction that occurs alongside certain cancers, known as a paraneoplastic syndrome. This test checks for a specific antibody, called Anti-Ri, that shows up in this condition.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will appear in your online account, with each value explained alongside its normal range so you know exactly what it means. If your result comes back positive, the report will explain what that could indicate, and it's a good idea to seek medical care promptly since this antibody is associated with underlying health conditions that need timely attention. If negative and symptoms continue, retesting or additional evaluation may be worthwhile. You can download a standard lab report from your account at any time, and use the trends feature to track any future related testing over time.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good option for people who have new, unexplained neurological symptoms such as jerky eye movements, muscle twitching, or difficulty with balance and coordination. It's especially relevant for those with a personal or family history of breast, gynecological, or lung cancers, since these are more commonly associated with this antibody. Anyone whose symptoms have not been explained by more common causes may also want to consider this screening.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms linked to this condition include rapid, jerky eye movements, sudden muscle jerks or twitching, unsteady walking, and problems with balance and coordination. Some people also notice dizziness, slurred speech, or confusion. If these symptoms appear suddenly and don't have a clear cause, this test can help identify whether an autoimmune antibody reaction may be involved.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your sample being processed at the lab. This timeframe allows for the initial screen, and if needed, the additional titer and Western blot confirmation steps to be completed. You'll get a notification as soon as your results are available in your account.

What is Anti-Ri and why does it matter?

Anti-Ri is an antibody your immune system sometimes makes when it mistakenly attacks certain nerve cells, often triggered by an underlying tumor. This reaction can cause a set of symptoms called opsoclonus-myoclonus syndrome, which affects eye movement, muscle control, and coordination. Because this antibody is often tied to hidden cancers like breast, gynecological, or small cell lung cancer, finding it early can prompt further important health checks.

What does a positive Anti-Ri result mean?

A positive result means the antibody was detected in your blood, which suggests your immune system may be reacting to nerve tissue in a way that's associated with paraneoplastic syndromes. This finding is often followed up with additional testing, like the titer and Western blot included in this panel, to confirm the result. Because of the strong association with certain cancers, a positive result is a signal to seek medical care right away for further evaluation.

What causes a positive Anti-Ri result?

A positive result usually happens because of an underlying tumor, most often in the breast, ovaries, or lungs, that triggers an abnormal immune response against nerve cells. The immune system, while trying to fight the tumor, mistakenly also attacks healthy nerve tissue. This is why a positive result is taken seriously and usually leads to further cancer screening.

How often should I retest for Anti-Ri?

This isn't a routine test you'd repeat regularly like a cholesterol check — it's typically used once to investigate specific new neurological symptoms. If your first result is negative but symptoms persist or worsen, retesting or additional testing may be recommended. If positive, follow-up testing (titer and Western blot) is usually done as part of the same evaluation rather than on a repeating schedule.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your result comes back positive, it's important to seek medical care promptly, since this antibody is linked to serious underlying conditions that benefit from early attention. Keep a record of your symptoms, including when they started and how they've changed, to share during any follow-up evaluation. Continue monitoring any new or worsening symptoms and don't wait to get further evaluation if things escalate quickly.

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.

Ri Antibody Test - Paraneoplastic Syndrome 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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