Quadriplegia — Reported in the Last 7 Days
This entry documents paralysis affecting all four limbs during the past 7 days. It is a clinical symptom assessment rather than a standard laboratory test.
["Recent quadriplegia can reflect serious nervous-system problems and requires prompt medical evaluation, especially if symptoms are new or worsening."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 54811-5
- Short code
- QUADRIPLEGIAINLAST7D
- Synonyms
- —
- 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
- mdsv
- 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?
Quadriplegia is weakness or paralysis affecting the arms and legs. This record indicates that quadriplegia was reported within the previous 7 days; it is a clinical finding, not a blood, urine, or imaging laboratory test.
Why might I need this test?
A clinician may use this information to evaluate the onset, severity, and cause of paralysis. Possible causes include spinal cord injury, pressure on the spinal cord, stroke, nerve disorders, or certain medical conditions.
How is the test performed?
The finding is usually established through medical history, a physical and neurological examination, and review of the person's ability to move and respond in each limb. Imaging of the brain or spine and other neurological tests may be ordered when needed.
How do I prepare for the test?
No special preparation is required for recording the symptom. Bring a timeline of when weakness began, a list of medicines and recent injuries or illnesses, and any prior neurology, imaging, or hospitalization records.
Reference range
Adult: 10-40 U/LN/A
No special preparation required. Avoid fatty meals before the test if possible.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Quadriplegia may indicate injury or disease affecting the spinal cord, brain, or major nerves. The cause and outlook depend on the underlying condition, the completeness of the weakness, and how quickly symptoms developed. New, rapidly worsening, or accompanied by breathing difficulty, loss of bladder or bowel control, or severe neck or back pain requires emergency evaluation.
Short name
Recent quadriplegia assessment
Frequently asked questions
Is quadriplegia the same as complete paralysis?
What tests are usually used to find the cause?
When should recent quadriplegia be treated as an emergency?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
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.
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