Last Modified:
3/25/2009 6:41:56 PM
Specimen Requirements:
1.0 mL Serum in a SST Red Top Yellow Ring Tube
Minimum Volume:
0.2 mL
Temperature & Stability:
7 days Ambient
14 days Refrigerated
2 months Frozen
Reference Range:
< 15 %
Methodology:
RIA
Clinical Significance:
Myasthenia gravis (MG), the most common neuromuscular transmission disorder, is an antibody-mediated autoimmune disease that stems from a loss of acetylcholine receptors (AChR) at neuromuscular junctions. AChR autoantibodies are diagnostic of MG, and are found in 85-90% of MG patients. AChR binding autoantibodies are present most frequently in MG and provide the most reliable information for diagnostic screening. A small portion of patients with early onset or ocular restricted MG may only have AChR modulating autoantibodies, thus if AChR binding autoantibodies are absent in a patient with weakness or ocular symptoms consistent with MG, AChR modulating autoantibodies should be ordered. AChR blocking autoantibodies are directed against the neurotransmitter-binding site and may be the only AChR autoantibody in about 1% of MG patients.
PRODUCTION SCHEDULE
Turn Around Time:
5 to 9 days
Days Performed:
Wednesday
Sites Performed:
Specialty Laboratories
PHL Test Code:
ACHB1
Send Out Test Code:
1412
CPT Coding:
83519
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