PHOSPHOLIPASE A2 RECEPTOR ANTIBODY (PLA2R), QUANTITATIVE – ES124
🧬 Autoimmune Kidney Disease
₹4999
MRP ₹6000
Sample Time: 4:30 PM
Report: 2nd Working Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: ES124
Report: 2nd Working Day
Sample Type: Blood (Serum)
Test Code: ES124
About this Test:
The PLA2R Antibody Quantitative test detects and measures antibodies attacking the Phospholipase A2 Receptor in the kidneys. It is the specific biomarker for diagnosing Primary Membranous Nephropathy (MN), a common cause of Nephrotic Syndrome in adults.
✔ Avoids Biopsy: Can often diagnose the condition without needing an invasive kidney biopsy.
✔ Quantitative: Measures the level of antibodies, which helps track disease activity.
✔ Differentiation: Distinguishes between autoimmune kidney disease and secondary causes (like cancer or lupus).
✔ Essential for monitoring treatment response.
The PLA2R Antibody Quantitative test detects and measures antibodies attacking the Phospholipase A2 Receptor in the kidneys. It is the specific biomarker for diagnosing Primary Membranous Nephropathy (MN), a common cause of Nephrotic Syndrome in adults.
✔ Avoids Biopsy: Can often diagnose the condition without needing an invasive kidney biopsy.
✔ Quantitative: Measures the level of antibodies, which helps track disease activity.
✔ Differentiation: Distinguishes between autoimmune kidney disease and secondary causes (like cancer or lupus).
✔ Essential for monitoring treatment response.
Understanding Membranous Nephropathy
Membranous Nephropathy (MN) is a condition where the small filters in the kidney (glomeruli) become inflamed and thickened, causing protein to leak into the urine (Proteinuria). About 70-80% of MN cases are autoimmune, where the body creates antibodies against its own PLA2R receptors.
Why is this test a game-changer?
- Non-Invasive Diagnosis: In patients with Nephrotic Syndrome (swelling, foamy urine), a positive PLA2R test can confirm Primary MN, potentially sparing the patient from a painful kidney biopsy.
- Monitoring Treatment: Since this test is Quantitative, the antibody levels often drop before the kidney function improves. This gives doctors an early sign that the treatment is working. Conversely, rising levels can predict a relapse before symptoms appear.
- Kidney Transplant: It is used to assess the risk of the disease recurring after a kidney transplant.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is PLA2R?
PLA2R stands for Phospholipase A2 Receptor. It is a protein found on the surface of podocytes (special cells) in the kidney filters. In Primary Membranous Nephropathy, the immune system mistakenly attacks this protein.
PLA2R stands for Phospholipase A2 Receptor. It is a protein found on the surface of podocytes (special cells) in the kidney filters. In Primary Membranous Nephropathy, the immune system mistakenly attacks this protein.
Q2: What does a positive result mean?
A positive result strongly suggests Primary Membranous Nephropathy. It indicates an autoimmune process is damaging the kidneys. High levels (titers) often correlate with more severe disease activity.
A positive result strongly suggests Primary Membranous Nephropathy. It indicates an autoimmune process is damaging the kidneys. High levels (titers) often correlate with more severe disease activity.
Q3: Why is Quantitative important?
A simple Positive/Negative isn't enough. By measuring the exact amount of antibodies, your nephrologist can see if you are responding to immunosuppressive therapy. If antibody levels go down, remission usually follows.
A simple Positive/Negative isn't enough. By measuring the exact amount of antibodies, your nephrologist can see if you are responding to immunosuppressive therapy. If antibody levels go down, remission usually follows.
Q4: Do I need to fast for this test?
No, strict fasting is not required for the PLA2R antibody test.
No, strict fasting is not required for the PLA2R antibody test.
Q5: Can this test replace a Kidney Biopsy?
In many cases, yes. If a patient has Nephrotic Syndrome and tests positive for anti-PLA2R, guidelines suggest that a biopsy may not be necessary to start treatment. However, the final decision rests with your Nephrologist.
In many cases, yes. If a patient has Nephrotic Syndrome and tests positive for anti-PLA2R, guidelines suggest that a biopsy may not be necessary to start treatment. However, the final decision rests with your Nephrologist.