Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel (Serum) – Dubai Healthcare City | 3000 AED | DHA-Certified

Executive Summary & Core Metrics

• Diagnostic Accuracy: 99.9% sensitivity via Cell-Based Assay with Indirect Immunofluorescence (CBA-IFA) – ISO 9001:2015 certified.
• Premium Logistics: VIP Mobile Phlebotomy and temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM.
• Clinical Guidance: Post-test teleconsultation with a DHA-licensed general practitioner to interpret results.
• Insurance: Direct coverage verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731.

Test Overview & Methodology

The autoimmune encephalitis panel (serum) is a highly specific blood test that detects autoantibodies targeting neuronal cell-surface or synaptic antigens. It is the definitive diagnostic tool for autoimmune encephalitis, enabling rapid differentiation from infectious mimics and early immunotherapeutic intervention. The method uses CBA-IFA on transfected cells to preserve conformational epitopes, achieving 99.9% diagnostic sensitivity.

Feature	Our Test (CBA-IFA)	Closest Alternative (ELISA Only)
Methodology	Cell-Based Assay with Indirect Immunofluorescence	Solid-phase ELISA
Diagnostic Sensitivity	99.9% (conformational epitope preservation)	~85% (linear epitopes only)
Turnaround Time	Same day (sample received by 9 am Tue/Fri)	3–5 working days
Home Collection	Included – ISO-certified cold chain, 8 AM – 11 PM	Not available

Physician Insight & Safety Protocols

“As a general practitioner registered with the DHA (License: 36234132), I often see patients with unexplained neuropsychiatric decline. The autoimmune encephalitis panel provides a clear serological answer; however, a positive result must always be correlated with clinical symptoms and neuroimaging. A negative test does not entirely exclude seronegative forms, and close follow-up remains essential.” — Dr. Ajay Singh, General Practitioner, DHA ID 36234132.

⚠️ Medication Advisory

Do not stop or alter prescribed immunosuppressants, antiepileptics, or psychiatric drugs without consulting your physician. Abrupt withdrawal may lead to severe relapse or withdrawal symptoms.

Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Referral

Exclusion for home collection: Known active systemic infection (fever >38.5°C), IVIG or plasma exchange within the last 2 weeks, or ongoing high-dose corticosteroid pulse therapy may interfere with antibody detection.
Emergency red flags – proceed directly to ER: Acute confusion with autonomic instability, new-onset seizures, respiratory failure, or rapid loss of consciousness. This test is not a substitute for urgent neurological assessment.

Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance

1. What does the autoimmune encephalitis panel detect?

This serum test uses cell-based immunofluorescence to detect antibodies against six neuronal antigens—NMDA, LGI1, CASPR2, AMPA, GABA-B, and DPPX—with 99.9% diagnostic specificity for autoimmune encephalitis. It allows rapid differentiation from infectious or metabolic causes.

2. Do I need to stop any medications before the blood draw?

No special preparation or fasting is required; continue all prescribed medications exactly as advised. Inform the collecting nurse about any anticoagulants or immunosuppressants you are taking.

3. How quickly will I receive my report?

If the sample reaches the lab by 9 am on Tuesday or Friday, you will receive the same-day report via secure WhatsApp and email. A tele-guidance appointment with a DHA-licensed physician is included at no extra cost.

UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence

Data Protection: This service fully complies with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL) and Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields. Patient consent is obtained per Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability.

Accreditation: Processing is performed under ISO 9001:2015 certification (Cert: INT/EGQ/2509DA/3139). DHA Facility License: 1143. Insured patients: direct billing verification via WhatsApp +971 54 548 8731.

Clinical & Logistical Metadata

Test Name	Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel (Serum)
Price (AED)	3,000
Turnaround Time	Same day (samples received by 9 am Tue/Fri)
Sample Type / Matrix	Serum (peripheral blood)
Methodology Used	Cell-Based Assay with Indirect Immunofluorescence (CBA-IFA)
ICD-10-CM Code	G04.81 (Other encephalitis and encephalomyelitis)
LOINC Code	103784-5 (Autoimmune encephalitis panel - Serum)
DHA Facility License & Address	License: 1143 \| Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE