Test Price
7,500 AEDโ Home Collection Available
Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel (Serum & CSF) in the UAE โ 7,500 AED
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
โ Diagnostic Accuracy: 99.9% Sensitivity via ISO 15189:2022 & ISO 9001:2015 Accredited Cell-Based Assay (CBA) with IFA Confirmation.
๐ฅ Sample Collection Methodology: Hospital Extraction Only โ Sample collection is conducted strictly within an accredited hospital facility; mobile home phlebotomy is disabled for safety.
๐ Post-Test Clinical Guidance: Complimentary telephonic consultation with a DHA-Licensed General Practitioner following result delivery.
๐ณ Insurance Verification: Direct billing support via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731
Test Overview & Methodology
The Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel is a comprehensive diagnostic tool that identifies pathogenic neuronal autoantibodies in paired serum and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) samples. This dual-matrix approach is essential for detecting intrathecal antibody synthesis, which can be missed in serum-only testing, thereby significantly improving diagnostic yield for autoimmune-mediated encephalitis. Our laboratory employs a validated Cell-Based Assay (CBA) followed by confirmatory Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFA), enabling same-day results from morning blood and CSF draws.
| Feature | DNA Labs UAE Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel | Conventional Serum-Only IFA Panel |
|---|---|---|
| Method | Cell-Based Assay (CBA) + Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFA) Confirmation | Indirect IFA Alone |
| Sample Matrix | Serum (1 SST) AND Cerebrospinal Fluid (1 mL sterile container) | Serum Only |
| Turnaround Time | Same Day (Sample collection Tue/Fri by 9 AM) | 5โ7 Working Days |
| Diagnostic Sensitivity | >99% with Dual-Matrix Approach | ~80% |
| Price | 7,500 AED | 3,500โ4,500 AED (Incomplete Profile) |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
"The dual-matrix Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel is a critical advancement over serum-only testing, as it captures intrathecal antibody production that may otherwise be missed. A negative result, however, does not rule out disease, especially in early stages or following immunotherapy. Always correlate findings with clinical presentation, MRI, and EEG. Please ensure all prior medications and vaccination history are disclosed to our reporting team."
โ Dr. Ajay Singh, General Practitioner | DHA Registration ID: 36234132
๐จ Safety Advisory: Hospital-Based CSF Collection Only
For safety reasons, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) collection by lumbar puncture is restricted to accredited hospital facilities. Our mobile phlebotomy service is not available for this invasive procedure.
๐ฅ Clinical Exclusion Criteria for Lumbar Puncture
- Known coagulopathy (INR >1.5, platelets <50,000/ยตL) โ bleeding risk contraindicates lumbar puncture.
- Suspected raised intracranial pressure (papilledema, bradycardia, severe headache) without prior brain imaging clearance.
- Severe allergy to local anesthetics (lidocaine) used during spinal tap.
โก Emergency Red Flags (Seek Immediate Emergency Care):
- Newโonset seizures or status epilepticus.
- Rapidly progressive confusion, coma, or unresponsiveness.
- Autonomic instability (uncontrolled blood pressure, tachycardia, hyperthermia).
- Catatonia or severe psychiatric aggression.
If any red flag is present, call 998 immediately. Our diagnostic service is not a replacement for acute emergency evaluation.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel, and why is a CSF sample required?
Direct Answer: This advanced panel detects key antibodies in both your blood and cerebrospinal fluid that are associated with autoimmune encephalitis. Using both samples significantly increases diagnostic sensitivity to over 99% because the brain's immune response is often concentrated in the CSF and may not be detectable in the blood. Our laboratory uses a cell-based assay for precise identification.
2. How should I prepare for the blood and spinal fluid collection?
Direct Answer: No special preparation such as fasting is generally required. Please inform your physician and our team about all medications you are taking, especially blood thinners (anticoagulants) or immunosuppressants. The lumbar puncture and blood draw will be performed in a hospital setting by a qualified medical professional. You may resume normal activities after a short period of rest.
3. Does my health insurance in the UAE cover the cost of this panel?
Direct Answer: Yes, this panel is typically covered by UAE health insurance plans when there is strong clinical suspicion of autoimmune encephalitis. We offer direct billing with major insurers including Daman, AXA, and Neuron. Send a photo of your insurance card via WhatsApp to +971 54 548 8731 for pre-approval. Transparent self-pay options are also available.
4. What is the turnaround time for my test results?
Direct Answer: Our laboratory provides same-day results for samples collected on Tuesday or Friday before 9 AM. This rapid turnaround allows your neurologist to make a timely diagnosis and initiate appropriate treatment without unnecessary delays.
5. Can a negative result rule out autoimmune encephalitis?
Direct Answer: No, a negative result does not completely rule out autoimmune encephalitis. Antibodies may be undetectable in early disease, after treatment with glucocorticoids, or in seronegative forms. Your doctor will interpret the results in the context of your full clinical picture, including MRI, EEG, and CSF analysis.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
๐ Data Privacy & Health Information Governance
- All patient data is processed and stored in full compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL).
- Health information handling adheres to Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields.
- All clinical testing and patient consent procedures follow the standards set in Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability.
- Our laboratory is ISO 15189:2022 and ISO 9001:2015 accredited, ensuring the highest standards of quality and safety.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Autoimmune Encephalitis Panel (Serum & CSF) |
| Price (AED) | 7,500 |
| Turnaround Time | Same Day (Sample by 9 AM Tue/Fri) |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Serum (SST) & Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) |
| Methodology Used | Cell-Based Assay (CBA) with Indirect Immunofluorescence (IFA) Confirmation |
| ICD-10-CM Code | G04.81 (Other encephalitis and encephalomyelitis) |
| LOINC Code | 96674-9 (Autoimmune encephalitis Ab panel - Serum + CSF) |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | License No: 1143 | Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE |
ุฏุนู ุซูุงุฆู ุงููุบุฉ ู ุชุงุญ
ุงูุชุญูู ู ู ุงูุชุบุทูุฉ ุงูุชุฃู ูููุฉ
Check Insurance Coverage Instantly
Stop the guesswork. Send a photo of your Insurance Card and Doctor's Prescription to our DHA-Certified Verification Team on WhatsApp.
ุชููู ุนู ุงูุชุฎู ูู. ุฃุฑุณู ุตูุฑุฉ ู ู ุจุทุงูุฉ ุงูุชุฃู ูู ููุตูุฉ ุงูุทุจูุจ ุฅูู ูุฑูู ุงูุชุญูู ุงูู ุนุชู ุฏ ู ู ููุฆุฉ ุงูุตุญุฉ ุจุฏุจู ุนุจุฑ ุงููุงุชุณุงุจ. ุงุญุตู ุนูู ุชุญุฏูุซ ุงูุญุงูุฉ ูู ุฏูุงุฆู.
Available in Arabic, English, Hindi & Urdu
ISMS 27001:2022
ISO Accredited
HIPAA
All reports reviewed by DHA-Certified physicians