Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) (Myositis (16 Ag)) Test
About Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) (Myositis (16 Ag)) Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Myositis Profile IgG 16 Antigens, Myositis Specific Antibodies Panel, MSA Panel (16 antigens), Myositis Autoantibodies Profile |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 3 to 9 days |
| Recommended For | Adults and children with suspected inflammatory myopathy; both genders |
| Price | Starting at ₹7,250 |
What Is a Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) (Myositis (16 Ag)) Test?
The Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) test is a blood test that detects specific autoantibodies in the body. Autoantibodies are proteins that the immune system mistakenly produces against its own tissues. This test screens for 16 such antibodies linked to inflammatory muscle diseases, and is also called the Myositis Specific Antibodies Panel or MSA Panel. A doctor typically orders it when a patient shows symptoms suggesting muscle inflammation or weakness of unknown cause. A small sample of venous blood (serum) is collected for analysis.
What Does a Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) (Myositis (16 Ag)) Test Measure?
The Myositis (16 Ag) test screens for IgG-class autoantibodies against 16 distinct muscle-related proteins. Each antibody is linked to a specific subtype or feature of inflammatory muscle disease.
The following antigens are included in the panel:
| Antibody | Associated Condition or Finding |
|---|---|
| Anti-Jo-1 | Polymyositis; interstitial lung disease |
| Anti-Mi-2 (alpha and beta) | Dermatomyositis; good response to steroid treatment |
| Anti-MDA5 | Dermatomyositis with rapidly progressive lung disease |
| Anti-TIF1 | Dermatomyositis associated with malignancy |
| Anti-SRP | Polymyositis; treatment-resistant necrotising myopathy |
| Anti-NXP2 | Dermatomyositis |
| Anti-SAE1 | Dermatomyositis |
| Anti-PL-7, PL-12, EJ, OJ | Antisynthetase syndrome (myositis, lung disease, arthritis) |
| Anti-PM-Scl (75 and 100) | Polymyositis and scleroderma overlap syndromes |
| Anti-Ku | Connective tissue disease overlap syndromes |
| Anti-Ro-52 | Various autoimmune conditions |
Why Is a Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) (Myositis (16 Ag)) Test Done?
A doctor may recommend the Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) test when a patient presents with signs that suggest an inflammatory muscle condition.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
The following symptoms are among the most common reasons a doctor may request this test:
- Progressive muscle weakness, particularly in the shoulders, hips, or thighs
- Persistent muscle pain with visible inflammation or swelling
- Unexplained fatigue when walking or standing for short periods
- Joint pain and stiffness not explained by other conditions
- Chest tightness or shortness of breath
- Difficulty swallowing food or liquids
- Frequent tripping or falling without an obvious cause
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
This panel can assist in identifying the following conditions:
- Dermatomyositis (inflammatory muscle disease with skin involvement)
- Polymyositis (generalised inflammatory muscle disease)
- Inclusion body myositis (a slowly progressive muscle disease)
- Necrotising autoimmune myopathy (severe muscle cell death driven by autoimmunity)
- Antisynthetase syndrome (a condition affecting muscles, lungs, and joints)
- Interstitial lung disease associated with inflammatory myopathy
- Overlap syndromes involving connective tissue diseases
Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) (Myositis (16 Ag)) Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
Once a diagnosis of inflammatory myopathy is established, this test can support ongoing management. Antibody levels in some patients correlate with disease activity, helping doctors assess whether a condition is stable, worsening, or responding to treatment. Regular monitoring with this panel supports clinical decision-making for rheumatologists and neurologists managing these conditions over time.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for the Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) test, but there are a few simple steps to follow before your appointment.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of collection.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
- Inform your doctor about all current medications, particularly immunosuppressants and steroids, as these may affect antibody levels
- Drink adequate water before the test to make the blood draw easier
- Avoid strenuous physical activity for 24 hours before sample collection
- Wear a short-sleeved or loose-fitting top for easy access to the arm
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during and after sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist (blood collection specialist) will clean the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic solution.
- A small needle is used to draw a blood sample from a vein, typically in the arm.
- The collected blood is allowed to separate so that the serum (the clear liquid portion) can be extracted.
- The serum sample is carefully packaged for transport to the laboratory.
- At the laboratory, your sample is tested using an immunoblot method to identify the presence of IgG antibodies against each of the 16 antigens.
- Results are compiled and made available within the stated turnaround time.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
The following factors may influence how reliable your results are:
- Use of immunosuppressant medications or steroids at the time of testing
- Early or inactive disease, where antibody levels may be low
- Dehydration or improper sample handling during transport
- Differences in testing methods between laboratories
- Timing of sample collection relative to disease activity
Understanding Your Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) (Myositis (16 Ag)) Test Results
Your results will indicate whether each of the 16 antibodies is negative or positive. A qualified doctor must review these findings alongside your symptoms, clinical examination, and medical history.
| Result Level | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Below 20 units | Negative (antibody not detected) |
| 20 to 39 units | Weak positive |
| 40 to 80 units | Moderate positive |
| Above 80 units | Strong positive |
A negative result across all 16 antigens makes an inflammatory myopathy less likely, but does not completely rule it out. Research suggests that roughly half of all patients with polymyositis or dermatomyositis test negative for known myositis-specific antibodies. A positive result for a specific antibody points towards a particular subtype of myositis. For example, a positive anti-TIF1 result is associated with a higher risk of malignancy, while positive anti-tRNA synthetases or anti-MDA5 suggest a greater risk of interstitial lung disease.
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 circumstances can affect the accuracy of this test. Patients taking immunosuppressive medications may have reduced antibody levels, which can produce a false negative result. In early or inactive disease, antibody levels may also be lower than expected. Testing methods are not yet fully standardised across all laboratories, so results from one laboratory should not necessarily be compared directly with those from another.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
General steps that support well-being when managing an inflammatory condition include:
- Attending regular follow-up appointments with your rheumatologist or neurologist
- Following your prescribed treatment plan consistently to keep disease activity under control
- Reporting new or worsening symptoms, such as increased weakness, skin changes, or breathing difficulties, to your doctor without delay
Lupin Diagnostics Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) (Myositis (16 Ag)) Test Price and Home Collection
The Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at ₹7,250, with home sample collection available across cities in India. The table below shows prices of this test in major cities across India:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹14,500 |
| Bangalore | ₹14,500 |
| Hyderabad | ₹14,500 |
| Chennai | ₹14,500 |
| Kolkata | ₹14,500 |
| Pune | ₹14,500 |
| Ahmedabad | ₹14,500 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Home collection for the Myositis Profile IgG (16 Antigens) test near me is available through Lupin Diagnostics across major Indian cities. A certified phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time, and samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories. Digital reports are delivered securely via email or WhatsApp once ready.
Frequently Asked Questions
This test is used to help diagnose and classify inflammatory muscle diseases. Identifying specific autoantibodies, it helps doctors determine which subtype of myositis a patient may have, assess disease activity, and make management decisions. It is ordered when clinical symptoms suggest an autoimmune muscle condition.
No fasting is needed. You can eat and drink as normal before sample collection. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside the Myositis (16 Ag) test, check whether any of those require fasting.
Because this is a specialised test requiring advanced immunoblot analysis, results generally take 3 to 9 days. Some laboratories may take slightly longer depending on their processing schedule.
Not entirely. Approximately half of patients with polymyositis or dermatomyositis do not have detectable antibodies from the currently known panel. A negative result reduces the likelihood of certain subtypes but does not exclude myositis when clinical signs are present.
A positive anti-TIF1 finding is associated with an increased risk of cancer-associated myositis. If this antibody is detected, your doctor may recommend further investigations to screen for an underlying malignancy.
Yes. Lupin Diagnostics offers home collection for this test. A trained phlebotomist will visit your home at a time convenient to you, collect the blood sample, and ensure it is transported safely to a NABL-accredited laboratory for analysis.
Different antibodies are linked to different subtypes of inflammatory myopathy. Testing for all 16 together allows doctors to identify the specific subtype, understand associated risks such as lung disease or malignancy, and plan appropriate follow-up care.

