ANTI-MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) Test
About ANTI-MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | MOG-IgG test, MOG antibody test, Anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody test, MOG-Ab test |
| Sample Type | Serum (blood) and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 6 days |
| Recommended For | All ages; males and females with suspected demyelinating disorders |
| Price | Starting at ₹7,000 |
What Is an ANTI-MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) Test?
The anti-MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) test detects specific antibodies in the blood or cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) that target a protein found on the outer surface of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. Doctors order this test when a patient shows signs of inflammatory nerve conditions that may not be multiple sclerosis. It is also known as the MOG-IgG test, MOG antibody test, anti-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody test or MOG-Ab test. The sample is either a blood draw (serum) or a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) sample collected via lumbar puncture.
What Does an ANTI-MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) Test Measure?
This test looks for one parameter in the sample. Here is what it measures:
| Parameter | What It Tells Us |
|---|---|
| MOG-IgG Antibodies | Whether the immune system is producing antibodies against myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein, the defining feature of MOGAD (MOG antibody-associated disease) |
Why Is an ANTI-MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) Test Done?
This test is ordered when a neurologist suspects an inflammatory condition affecting the brain, spinal cord, or optic nerves. The results help distinguish between different demyelinating diseases.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms may lead a doctor to request an anti-MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) test:
- Sudden vision loss or blurred vision
- Eye pain that worsens with movement
- Numbness or weakness in the arms or legs
- Problems with bladder or bowel control
- Muscle stiffness or spasms
- Loss of balance or coordination
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This test helps identify or rule out several inflammatory nerve conditions:
- MOGAD (MOG antibody-associated disease), a rare immune-mediated condition causing recurring inflammation of the central nervous system
- Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), which affects the optic nerves and spinal cord
- Optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)
- Transverse myelitis (inflammation of the spinal cord)
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM), a sudden inflammation of the brain and spinal cord
- Autoimmune encephalitis, where the immune system attacks brain tissue
ANTI-MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Once a diagnosis of MOGAD is confirmed, this test may be repeated over time to track how the disease is progressing. Antibody levels that remain persistently positive are associated with a greater likelihood of relapses, while falling titres may indicate a response to treatment. Your neurologist will decide how often repeat testing is appropriate based on your clinical situation.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
Preparation for this test is straightforward, though a few practical steps can improve result accuracy.
Do You Need to Fast?
No fasting is required before the anti-MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) test. You can eat and drink normally before your appointment. Always follow instructions given by your doctor or laboratory.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before sample collection:
- Bring a detailed clinical history including your symptoms, previous test results, and any relevant medical records, as this is required for the test
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, especially immunosuppressants, steroids, or other immune-modifying medicines, as these can affect results
- Try to get tested close to the time of a symptom episode, as antibody levels can decline over time after an attack
- If possible, collect the sample before starting any new immunosuppressive therapy
- Wear a loose-fitting top with sleeves that roll up easily if you are having a blood draw
Step-by-Step Procedure
This test requires a blood sample or a CSF sample. Here is the anti-MOG test procedure for both types of samples:
- For a blood sample, a trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on your inner elbow or the back of your hand with an antiseptic.
- A tourniquet is applied to help make the vein more visible, and a needle is used to draw approximately 3 ml of blood into a serum separator tube.
- The blood sample is processed by centrifuging (spinning) it to separate the serum, then stored under refrigeration and sent to the laboratory.
- For a CSF sample, a medical professional will perform a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) at a diagnostic centre or hospital. You will be asked to sit leaning forward or lie on your side with your knees drawn up.
- The medical professional applies a local anaesthetic to numb the area, then inserts a thin needle between two vertebrae in the lower back to collect 5 ml of cerebrospinal fluid.
- After collection, the needle is removed, the area is cleaned, and a small bandage is applied. The CSF sample is then sent for laboratory analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence the reliability of results:
- Haemolysed (broken blood cells), contaminated, or severely lipaemic (fatty) samples may be rejected
- Timing of sample collection relative to symptom onset
- Use of immunosuppressants or corticosteroids before testing
- The type of assay used (live cell-based versus fixed cell-based)
- Improper sample storage or transport conditions
Understanding Your ANTI-MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) Test Results
Your neurologist will interpret your result alongside your clinical symptoms, MRI findings, and medical history. Below is a general guide to what the findings may mean:
| Result | Titre Range | Interpretation |
|---|---|---|
| Negative | Not detected | No MOG-IgG antibodies found; does not fully rule out CNS demyelinating disease |
| Low Positive | 1:20 to 1:40 (live assay) or below 1:100 (fixed assay) | Requires careful clinical correlation; false positives are more common at this level |
| Clear Positive | 1:100 or above | High confidence for a MOGAD diagnosis |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain situations can alter antibody levels and should be discussed with your doctor:
Samples collected well after symptom onset or after immunotherapy has started tend to show lower antibody levels, which can reduce the positive predictive value of the test. Samples taken close to the time of an attack give the most accurate picture.
The positive predictive value also varies with titre level. Very high titres are almost always associated with MOGAD, while low-positive titres carry a much higher chance of being a false positive and require careful clinical assessment.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These are general wellness tips for individuals with a known or suspected demyelinating condition:
- Attend all follow-up appointments and repeat tests as advised by your neurologist.
- Report any new or worsening neurological symptoms, such as changes in vision, balance, or limb strength, to your doctor promptly.
- Keep an updated list of your medications and bring it to every consultation, so your doctor can account for any medication effects on your results.
Lupin Diagnostics ANTI-MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) Test Price and Home Collection
The anti-MOG test cost at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹7,000. Home collection is available for serum (blood) samples. CSF samples require a visit to a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as a lumbar puncture must be performed by a trained medical professional. The table below shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| BHOPAL | 7000 |
| CHENNAI | 7000 |
| HYDERABAD | 7000 |
| KOLKATA | 7000 |
| NAVI MUMBAI | 7000 |
| PUNE | 7000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps for anti-MOG test online booking:
- Select the anti-MOG test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist (for serum samples), or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre (required for CSF samples).
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Anti-MOG test home collection is available for serum (blood) samples across cities where Lupin Diagnostics operates. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by qualified professionals. Digital reports are delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
For CSF samples, please visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
Frequently Asked Questions
Serum is the preferred and recommended sample for the anti-MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) test. Testing MOG-IgG in cerebrospinal fluid shows significantly lower sensitivity and a low positive predictive value. CSF testing is typically considered only in specific cases where serum results are negative but MOGAD is still strongly suspected by the treating doctor.
Home collection is available for serum (blood) samples only. If your doctor has requested a CSF sample, you will need to visit a Lupin Diagnostics centre, as the lumbar puncture procedure requires a trained medical professional and a clinical setting.
The anti-MOG (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein) test is most reliable when collected close to the time of a symptom episode. Antibody levels can fall significantly within weeks to months after an attack, so early testing is important for accurate results.
A low positive titre has a lower likelihood of confirming disease. It needs to be interpreted alongside your full clinical picture, including symptoms, neurological examination, MRI findings, and other test results. Your neurologist will advise whether further evaluation is needed.
Yes, immunosuppressants and corticosteroids can reduce antibody levels in the blood. For the most accurate result, the test is ideally performed before starting such medications. Always inform your doctor about everything you are currently taking.
Yes. Changes in antibody titre over time can provide information about disease activity and response to treatment. However, antibody levels alone are not a complete picture. Your neurologist will consider them alongside your symptoms and imaging results when making decisions about your care.
Yes, this test can help differentiate the two conditions. Patients with MOGAD (myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease) typically test positive for MOG antibodies, while those with multiple sclerosis (MS) usually test negative. A clear positive result strongly supports an MOGAD diagnosis when combined with clinical and imaging findings.
ANTI-MOG (Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein) Test
