New Delhi: A new set of free blood tests at All India Institute Of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Delhi could make it easier to detect serious nerve disorders early—often before they lead to long-term damage or disability—while also saving patients thousands of rupees in diagnostic costs.The institute has begun offering three specialised tests—Human Anti Neurofascin-140, 155 and 186 antibodies—that help doctors identify autoimmune conditions where the body mistakenly attacks its own nerves. Such disorders are frequently missed or diagnosed late because symptoms like weakness, tingling or sudden loss of movement can overlap with other illnesses.What makes this move significant is both access and cost. According to the department of biochemistry, these tests are expensive in the private sector, with Neurofascin (140, 155 and 186) priced around Rs 26,500. At AIIMS, they are currently being provided free of cost, requiring only a small blood sample.Reports will be available online, reducing repeated hospital visits and making the process more convenient for patients.Dr Ashok Sharma from the biochemistry department of AIIMS said early diagnosis is critical. If autoimmune nerve conditions are caught in time, treatment can stop progression and, in some cases, reverse symptoms. Delays, however, can lead to permanent nerve damage or disability.AIIMS has asked its departments to actively refer patients who show unexplained neurological symptoms. Samples can be given at designated centres in the Neurosciences block and at its Jhajjar campus.
