Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody Reflexive Panel
Also known as: ACHR R PAN
Use
The Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody Reflexive Panel is primarily used for diagnosing myasthenia gravis (MG), a neuromuscular disorder characterized by weakness and rapid fatigue of any of the muscles under voluntary control. Approximately 85-90 percent of patients with MG express antibodies to the acetylcholine receptor (AChR), which can be divided into binding, blocking, and modulating antibodies. These antibodies interfere with neuromuscular transmission, leading to muscle weakness. The reflexive nature of the panel ensures comprehensive assessment by testing for binding and blocking antibodies initially, with a reflex to modulating antibodies if necessary.
Special Instructions
If the result of the Acetylcholine Receptor Binding Antibody is greater than 0.4 nmol/L or the Acetylcholine Receptor Blocking Antibody result is greater than 26 percent, then Acetylcholine Receptor Modulating Antibody will be added, potentially incurring additional charges. It should be noted that this test is developed by ARUP Laboratories as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) and not cleared by the FDA.
Limitations
While the test is highly useful for diagnosing myasthenia gravis, it does have limitations. Approximately 10-15 percent of individuals with confirmed myasthenia gravis may have no measurable binding, blocking, or modulating antibodies. The presence of these antibodies is not exclusive to MG and can occasionally be found in other conditions. Results must be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other laboratory tests. Repeated freezing and thawing of specimens can affect the results, so it is crucial to follow storage instructions closely.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (RIA)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 11034-6
- 42937-3
Result Turnaround Time
3-7 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
1 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
ARUP Standard Transport Tube
Collection Instructions
Separate from cells ASAP or within 2 hours of collection. Transfer 1 mL serum to an ARUP Standard Transport Tube. (Min: 0.5 mL)
Storage Instructions
Refrigerated.
Causes for Rejection
Contaminated, hemolyzed, or severely lipemic specimens.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 48 hours |
| Refrigerated | 2 weeks |
| Frozen | 1 year |