PLA2 Receptor Antibody Qualitative, serum Test

Idiopathic membranous nephropathy is an autoimmune disease wherein antibodies target glomeruli thus leading to progressive reduction in kidney function.

PLA2R (Phospholipase A2 Receptor) is a protein that is found on the surface of cells in the kidney, specifically in the cells of the glomeruli, which are small structures in the kidneys that filter blood. The PLA2R antibody qualitative test is a blood test that is used to detect the presence of antibodies directed against PLA2R. This test is used to help diagnose a condition called primary membranous nephropathy (PMN), which is a type of kidney disease.

In PMN, the body's immune system mistakenly produces antibodies that attack the PLA2R protein on the cells in the glomeruli. The presence of these antibodies can cause inflammation and damage to the glomeruli, leading to protein in the urine, a decrease in kidney function, and even kidney failure if not treated.

The test is qualitative, meaning that it detects the presence of the antibodies but does not give a quantitative measure of the amount of antibodies. The result of the test is usually given as positive or negative, indicating the presence or absence of the antibodies.

Associated Tests:

P8229    PLA2 Receptor Antibody Quantitative, Serum

Written by: Supriya Kulkarni, Lead-Content & Training