NMDA Receptor Antibody, CSF

NMDA, N-Methyl-D-Aspartate Receptor Antibody, CSF

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB1232134, Beaker: NMDA, Quest: 92394

Department

Send Outs

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in a sterile collection container.

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Maintain specimen refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: 2.0 mL CSF, refrigerated at (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Turbid.
• Bacterial contamination.
• Specimens not collected and processed as indicated.

In-Lab Processing

Maintain specimen refrigerated at (2-8°C or 36-46°F).

Transport: 2.0 mL CSF, refrigerated at (2-8°C or 36-46°F). (Minimum: 0.5 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 72 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 28 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 28 days

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Specimen retention time is determined by the policy of the reference laboratory. Contact the Send Outs Laboratory with any questions.

Laboratory

Sent to Quest Diagnostics, Wood Dale, IL.

Performed

Sunday – Thursday.
Results available in 5-7 days.

Reference Range

Technical Results:    Negative

Test Methodology

Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

Clinical Utility

NMDA Receptor (NR1-subunit) Autoantibody Test – Anti-NMDA receptor (NR1-subunit) antibody is found in patients with encephalitis, acute psychiatric disturbances, seizures, memory deficits, and hypoventilation.

CPT Codes

86255

Contacts

Last Updated

12/18/2025