Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody (AchR)
Sample: Fresh Serum (See instructions)
Status: U.K Lab Accredited
Schedule: Three weeks
Units: nmol/L
Range: < 0,25 Negative: 0,25 - 4,5 Equivocal > 4,5 Positive
Remarks: Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody (AchR) is used in diagnosis of acquired Myasthenia gravis (MG). This disease represents autoirnmune damage against postsynaptic acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction, causing muscular weakness and fatigability. Involvement of extra ocular and general voluntary muscles is found and is strongly associated with tumour of the thymus.
Ptosis and diplopia usually occur early. Swallowing is likely to be affected. MG is characterized by severe fatigue with exertion. There is some relief after rest. A positive AchR assay is specific. Used in investigation of myasthenia gravis AchR are not found in congenital (genetic) myasthenia. Uncommonly, false positives occur.
Some myasthemia gravis patients are negative for AChR antibodies. It has been demonstrated that these patients show Anti MuSK (Muscular Specific Kinase) antibodies.
