Skip to main content
Medical information Clinical review pending

Neurology

Anti NMDA Receptor Antiglutamate Antibody CSF Test

This test detects anti-NMDA receptor antibodies in cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) to help diagnose autoimmune encephalitis and other neurological conditions.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

Ask a question
Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
1 mL (0.5 mL minimum) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected in a sterile, screw-capped container.
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Sample must be received by Tuesday or Friday by 9 AM for same-day reporting.
Preparation
Confirm with the laboratory before booking. Specific preparation instructions may be provided by your doctor.
Test priceKSh 17,000

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Anti NMDA Receptor Antiglutamate Antibody CSF Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

+254

Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Unexplained psychiatric symptoms
  • ✓Seizures
  • ✓Cognitive decline or memory loss
  • ✓Movement disorders
  • ✓Suspected autoimmune encephalitis
  • ✓Evaluation of neurological symptoms unresponsive to standard treatment
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis of autoimmune encephalitis, particularly anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis, by detecting specific antibodies in the cerebrospinal fluid. It helps differentiate autoimmune causes from other neurological conditions.
The Anti NMDA Receptor Antiglutamate Antibody CSF Test is a diagnostic tool used in neurology to identify antibodies against the NMDA receptor in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). These antibodies are linked to autoimmune encephalitis, a condition causing significant neurological symptoms. Early detection is important for effective management.

This test measures the level of anti-NMDA receptor antibodies in your CSF. Finding these antibodies can help doctors diagnose autoimmune disorders affecting the nervous system, such as autoimmune encephalitis. This condition can cause a range of symptoms, including psychiatric changes, seizures, and cognitive issues.

Consider this test if you are experiencing unexplained neurological symptoms. Discuss your symptoms with your doctor to determine if this test is appropriate for you.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationConfirm with the laboratory before booking. Specific preparation instructions may be provided by your doctor.
Sample1 mL (0.5 mL minimum) of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collected in a sterile, screw-capped container.
MethodologyConfirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects specific antibodies. A negative result does not completely rule out autoimmune encephalitis or other neurological conditions. Clinical correlation is essential.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Autoimmune encephalitis is a condition where the body's immune system mistakenly attacks the brain, causing inflammation and neurological symptoms.
These are antibodies that target the NMDA receptor, a protein crucial for brain function. Their presence in CSF is associated with a specific type of autoimmune encephalitis.
CSF is typically collected via a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), a procedure performed by a qualified healthcare professional.
A positive result indicates the presence of anti-NMDA receptor antibodies in the CSF, suggesting a possible diagnosis of anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. Your doctor will discuss the implications.
Please contact the laboratory directly or check our website for branch-specific test availability.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

Keep exploring

Related tests

View all tests →
Chat on WhatsApp