Acetylcholine Receptor Binding Antibody

Test Code
MYGRAVSC


CPT Codes
86041

Preferred Specimen
1 mL serum


Minimum Volume
0.5 mL


Transport Temperature
Room temperature


Specimen Stability
Room temperature: 14 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days


Reject Criteria (Eg, hemolysis? Lipemia? Thaw/Other?)
Microbially contaminated • Gross hemolysis • Grossly lipemic


Methodology
Radioimmunoassay (RIA)

Setup Schedule
Set up: Tues-Sat; Report available: 2-3 days


Limitations
Antibodies may not be found in congenital myasthenia.


Clinical Significance
Myasthenia Gravis (MG) is an autoimmune neuromuscular disorder characterized by muscle weakness, most commonly due to autoantibody-mediated loss of functional acetylcholine receptors (AChR) in the neuromuscular junction. AChR binding autoantibodies are diagnostic of MG, and are found in 85-90% of MG patients. This assay aids in the differential diagnosis of conditions with MG-like muscle weakness and in monitoring therapeutic response. If binding antibodies are negative, assays for modulating and blocking antibodies should be considered.


Performing Laboratory
Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute-San Juan Capistrano, CA
33608 Ortega Highway
San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675-2042




The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.