This is a highly sensitive and specific marker for Myasthenia Gravis (80 to 90% sensitivity). Patients present with muscle weakness and fatigue that may affect ocular muscles. Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune disease where antibodies bind to nicotinic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction – this impairs the ability of acetylcholine to induce muscular contraction.
Tube
Serum Gel
ID
12746
Availability
Weekdays
Additional Information
The 10% of MG patients with Thymoma are also positive for acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Around 15% MG patients are negative for Acetylcholine receptor antibodies. Antibodies to muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase may be found in AChR Ab negative MG patients.
Turn Around
Due to extended service pressures please note our TAT have been temporarily extended by 6 weeks beyond the times stated above/below. Please do not contact the lab before this time frame unless there is a clinically urgent need
Send to
Samples should be sent to the department of Clinical Immunology at LGI who will refer to appropriate referral lab (Oxford)
Contact and advice
Collection Con
No restrictions. Not available on CSF or plasma sample
Frequency
Referred to external laboratory
Sample REQ
Blood
Ref. Range Notes
See ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTOR ANTIBODIES
Units
x100pM
IP Acute TAT
See ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTOR ANTIBODIES
IP Routine TAT
See ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTOR ANTIBODIES
GP Acute TAT
See ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTOR ANTIBODIES