Test Category: Immunology
Investigation Name:Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody
Alias or Abbreviation:ACRA, ACR
Intro:
Indication:Myasthenia gravis
Further information:
Acetylcholine receptor antibodies are a highly sensitive and specific marker for generalised myasthenia gravis (80-90% sensitivity); up to 90% of generalised MG cases are ACHR positive for ACHR antibodies whilst in pure ocular MG up to 50% of patients are positive.
If negative, consider requesting MuSK antibodies.
A High sensitivity myasthenia gravis screen (Clustered AChR/ MuSK/ LRP4 antibodies) is available for patients who are negative by other assays but there remains a high degree of suspicion of myasthenia gravis.
Pathology Laboratory:Immunology Laboratory
Requestable Seperately?Yes
E-Requesting Tab:IMMUN-Blds
Minimum Sample Volume:1 mL
Expected Turnaround Time:3 weeks
Test Code:ACRA
Sample Type:
Serum Gel Tube (Gold top)Maximum Add on Time:3 days
Complex Reference Range:Negative = <5 x10-10 mol/L
Low Positive = 5-10 x10-10 mol/L
Positive = >10 x10-10 mol/L
Collection Conditions / Other Information:MuSK antibodies are found in some Acetylcholine receptor antibody negative Mysathenia Gravis patients
Reference Laboratory Details:The Neuroscience laboratories, The Walton Centre, Liverpool.
Referred to Another Laboratory?Yes
Storage Requirements:Ambient temperature
Posting Address / Requirements:1st class post/ Trust transport
Lead Contact Details:Clinical Queries Email: rwh-tr.bcpsimmunologyclinicalqueries@nhs.net
Email Address For Chasing Results:rwh-tr.ImmunologyLab@nhs.net
Contact Number:01902695279
