Also known as: ACR; ACHR; Myasthenia antibody; Motor end plate antibody; MG antibody
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.
This Radioimmunoassay is only performed on known positive ACHR patients. All other requests will be first screened using our Myasthenic Screen.
Specimen requirements
Serum -1ml
Plasma and CSF are not acceptable
Cost
- UK NHS - 15 UKP
- International and Private - 20 UKP
Laboratory turnaround time
14 days
Laboratory method
Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
Reference range/units
Negative is <5 X10-10 mole per litre
Low Positive is 5 to 10 X10-10 mole per litre
Positive is >10 X10-10 mole per litre
Associated tests
- Muscle Specific Kinase (MuSK) - found in some Acetylcholine receptor antibody negative Mysathenia Gravis patients.
- High sensitivity Myasthenia Gravis screen (Clustered ACHR antibodies/MuSK antibodies/LRP4 antibodies) - a more sensitive method. A cell based assay.
Sample stability
2 months at 2-8ºC
Shipping and storage
UK and Ireland
Ambient temperature and first class post. Hays DX users please enquire via email below.
International
Ambient temperature if courier will deliver within 72 hours otherwise consider refrigerated transport. Freezing is not a requirement.
Ensure delivery Monday to Friday 09:00 - 17:30.
Further information and contact details
For further information, email immunologylab.enquiries@ouh.nhs.uk
