MuSK antibodies
| Category | Immunology |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Antibodies to the muscle-specific receptor tyrosine kinase are involved in the pathogenesis of acetylcholine receptor (ACR) antibody-negative myasthenia gravis. Testing for these antibodies should be considered in the 20 % of patients with clinical symptoms of myasthenia gravis who do not demonstrate antibodies to the ACR. |
| Clinical Indications |
Diagnosis of myasthenia gravis with or without equivocal anti-AChR findings |
| Reference range | Negative |
| Sample & container required | RST (rust top) |
| Sample volume | 5-10 mL (1 mL serum) |
| Turnaround time | 28 days |
| Notes | Not currently performed in house; this test is referred to the Department of Immunology at the Churchill Hospital in Oxford. |