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Paraneoplastic Antibody, Serum — Qualitative

Published: August 9, 2026Updated: August 17, 2026

A blood test that looks for antibodies associated with autoimmune reactions that can occur alongside certain cancers.

Quick summary

["These antibodies may support an evaluation for a paraneoplastic syndrome, but a positive result alone does not diagnose cancer."]

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial TeamLast reviewed August 17, 2026Editorial policy

Key facts at a glance

LOINC
61177-2
Short code
Paraneoplastic Ab Ser Ql IF
Synonyms
Paraneoplastic Ab Ser Ql IF
Category
liver
Sample
serum
Container
Red-top tube (SST)
Units
N/A
Ref low
10
Ref high
40
Critical range
— – 500 N/A
Fasting
false
Population
adult
Sex
all
Age range
18–65 years
Method
if
CPT
84484
SNOMED
302774002
Specimen volume
5 mL
Stability
Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
Hemolysis max
500
Lipemia max
1000
Icterus max
500
TAT
4–24 hours
Order
routine

What is this test?

Paraneoplastic antibody testing measures selected autoantibodies in the blood. These antibodies can be produced by the immune system in response to a cancer, even when the cancer has not yet been identified. The exact antibodies included depend on the laboratory's test panel.

Why might I need this test?

A clinician may order this test when symptoms suggest a paraneoplastic syndrome, particularly when neurologic, muscle, skin, or other immune-related symptoms occur without an obvious cause. Results may help guide additional cancer screening or specialist evaluation.

How is the test performed?

A blood sample is collected and tested in the laboratory for the antibodies included in the ordered panel. Some results may be confirmed using another testing method and interpreted along with your symptoms, examination, and other tests.

How do I prepare for the test?

This test usually requires no special preparation. Follow any instructions provided by your clinician, and tell the laboratory if you have recently received immune therapies, immunosuppressive medicines, or a blood transfusion.

Reference range

Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A

Specimen: serum

No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.

Clinical interpretation

How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.

◆Associated findings1

Short name

Paraneoplastic antibody test

Frequently asked questions

Does a positive result mean I have cancer?
No. A positive paraneoplastic antibody can raise concern for an immune-related condition associated with cancer, but it does not confirm that cancer is present. Further evaluation is usually needed.
Can these antibodies occur without cancer?
Yes. Paraneoplastic antibodies may occasionally be detected in people who do not have cancer, and their significance depends on the specific antibody, symptoms, and other laboratory findings.
What happens if the result is negative?
A negative result means the tested antibodies were not detected above the laboratory's detection criteria. It does not completely rule out cancer or every type of paraneoplastic syndrome, so your clinician will interpret it with your overall clinical picture.
  1. 1
    MedlinePlus — Laboratory TestsSource
  2. 2
    Lab Tests OnlineSource
  3. 3
    Mayo Clinic — Tests & ProceduresSource

Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.

This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.

If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.

Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy