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Medical information Clinical review pending

Neurology

Ganglioside GD1a Antibody IgM Test

The Ganglioside GD1a Antibody IgM Test helps diagnose certain neurological disorders by detecting specific antibodies linked to nervous system conditions. Consult your doctor if you have neurological symptoms.

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.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
2 mL (1 mL minimum) serum collected in an SST tube.
Results
Report available 2-3 weeks after sample receipt (sample should be received by the 7th of the month). Confirm exact turnaround time with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Overnight fasting is preferred. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 26,000

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 Ganglioside GD1a Antibody IgM 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.

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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.

  • ✓Evaluation of suspected autoimmune neurological disorders
  • ✓Diagnosis of conditions like Guillain-Barré syndrome variants
  • ✓Assessment of patients with peripheral neuropathy
  • ✓Investigation of unexplained muscle weakness or numbness
  • ✓Monitoring response to treatment in certain neurological conditions
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis and understanding of certain autoimmune neurological disorders by detecting specific IgM antibodies against the GD1a ganglioside.
The Ganglioside GD1a Antibody IgM Test is a specialized diagnostic tool used to detect antibodies associated with certain neurological disorders. This test plays a vital role in the assessment of patients with symptoms indicative of nervous system dysfunction, allowing for timely and accurate diagnosis.

This test specifically measures the presence of IgM antibodies against Ganglioside GD1a. Elevated levels of these antibodies are often found in individuals suffering from various neurological conditions. Detecting these antibodies can help healthcare providers understand the potential underlying causes of neurological symptoms.

Individuals experiencing neurological symptoms such as muscle weakness, numbness, or cognitive changes, or those with a family history of neurological disorders, may be advised to consider this test. Discuss your symptoms and risk factors with your healthcare provider to determine if this test is appropriate for you.

Taking this test can provide critical information for diagnosing neurological disorders, helping guide treatment options based on antibody presence, and allowing for early intervention, potentially improving patient outcomes.

Results from the Ganglioside GD1a Antibody IgM Test will indicate the presence or absence of specific antibodies. A positive result may suggest an autoimmune response affecting the nervous system, while a negative result can help rule out certain conditions. It is essential to consult with your healthcare provider for a proper interpretation of your results in the context of your overall health.
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 →
PreparationOvernight fasting is preferred. Confirm specific requirements with the laboratory before booking.
Sample2 mL (1 mL minimum) serum collected in an SST tube.
MethodologyEnzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
This test detects IgM antibodies against GD1a. Results must be interpreted in the clinical context. A positive result does not confirm a specific diagnosis on its own. Confirm limitations with the laboratory before booking.
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

Gangliosides are complex lipids found on the surface of nerve cells. Antibodies against certain gangliosides can be associated with neurological disorders.
IgM is a type of antibody, often the first type produced by the immune system in response to an infection or autoimmune condition.
Fasting can help ensure the most accurate test results by minimizing interference from recent food intake. Confirm if fasting is required for your specific test.
Results indicate the presence or absence of GD1a IgM antibodies. Your doctor will interpret these results based on your symptoms, medical history, and other tests.
Insurance coverage varies. Please check with your insurance provider regarding coverage for this specific test.
Yes, home sample collection services may be available. Please contact the laboratory at +254711564616 to inquire.
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.

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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.

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