Cerebrospinal Fluid Smooth Muscle Antibody Screening (by Immunoassay)
This test measures antibodies in your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that may target smooth muscle proteins, often linked to certain autoimmune conditions affecting the nervous system.
["This screening helps identify potential autoimmune responses in your brain and spinal cord fluids."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109743-5
- Short code
- Smooth muscle Ab Msmt CSF
- Synonyms
- Smooth muscle Ab Msmt CSF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- csf
- Container
- Sterile tube
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL
- Stability
- Immediate analysis required, Refrigerated: 1h
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like unexplained headaches, neurological issues, or a history of autoimmune diseases. It can also be part of an evaluation for conditions such as neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) or other inflammatory neurological diseases.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your lumbar spine to collect CSF, which is then tested for smooth muscle antibodies.
What the Results Mean
Positive results suggest the presence of antibodies against smooth muscle proteins in your CSF, which may indicate an autoimmune process. Results alone don’t diagnose a specific condition but can guide further testing or treatment.
Common Conditions Linked to Positive Results
While smooth muscle antibodies in CSF are not as commonly associated with specific diseases as in serum, they may be linked to conditions like autoimmune encephalitis, inflammatory neurological disorders, or rare connective tissue diseases. Consult your doctor for interpretation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test is primarily a diagnostic screening tool. Elevated antibody levels in CSF can support a diagnosis of autoimmune-mediated neurological diseases but are not definitive on their own. Results should be interpreted alongside clinical symptoms, other tests, and patient history.
Short name
Smooth Muscle Antibody (CSF) Screen
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
How often should I get this test?
Can lifestyle changes affect this test?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy