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. |