Muscle Specific Kinase Antibodies by Radioimmunoprecipitation (MuSK RIPA)
Use
This test assists in the diagnosis of autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG), specifically identifying Muscle Specific Kinase (MuSK) antibodies. These antibodies are associated with a subset of myasthenia gravis called MuSK ab myasthenia gravis. A positive result is specific for this diagnosis, but a negative result does not rule out MG. The presence of these antibodies indicates an autoimmune mechanism affecting the neuromuscular junction, causing muscle weakness and fatigue characteristic of MG.
Special Instructions
Not provided.
Limitations
This test was developed and its performance determined by Neurocode USA Inc. It has not been cleared or approved by the Food and Drug Administration. False negative results can occur when antibodies are found in excess, known as the prozone effect. Causal antibodies cannot be identified in about 10% of MG cases, implying that negative results do not exclude an MG diagnosis.
Methodology
Other
Biomarkers
Muscle Specific Kinase Antibody
Protein
Result Turnaround Time
2-8 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
3 mL
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Container
Gel barrier or red-top tube
Collection Instructions
Draw blood in tube(s) with SST activator (5mL gold top or 8.5mL tiger top). Invert tubes 8 times to ensure complete mixing. Allow sample 30 minutes to clot (1 hour if red-top tube). Centrifuge tubes at 1800 - 2200 x g for 10-15 minutes within 2 hours of collection. Draw off serum (top layer) into aliquot tubes with pipette, ensuring not to take gel or RBC (middle/bottom layers). Store aliquot tubes in refrigerator (2° C - 8° C) until shipping.
Storage Instructions
Transport refrigerated (2° C - 8° C)
Causes for Rejection
Grossly hemolytic, lipemic, or icteric. If the sample arrives at room temperature.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Room Temperature | 7 days |
| Refrigerated | 7 days |
| Frozen | 2 months |