Acetylcholine receptor antibodies

Diagnostic Use

Measurement of acetylcholine receptor antibodies (ACRA) is important in the diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis (MG). This antibody is present in up to 85% of patients with adult-onset generalised Myasthenia Gravis.
ACRA negative MG may be associated with MuSK or LRP4 antibodies.

Department

Immunology

Delphic Registration Code

AACR

Laboratory Handling

Registration

AACR

Separating

aliquot for RIA workflow, minimum volume for serum aliquot 0.5mL

Laboratory

Immunology

Synonyms

ACRA

Turnaround Time

40 days

Test Code

6853

Specimen Type

• Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Preferred if West Coast

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

10

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

5

No of Samples Required

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred

• Serum (Red Cap)

Acceptable

• SST II (Gold Cap)

Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

2

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Interferences

Lipaemic or grossly haemolysed specimens will be rejected.

Pre-testing Requirements

Serum or Plasma (EDTA) may be used, however serum is preferred.
Samples are stable at 2 – 8 degrees C for one week and at ≤ -20 degrees C for six months.

Additional Specimen Information

Paediatric Specimen - 2 mL clotted blood or 1 mL serum

Aliquot Instructions

Sample Type

• Serum

Minimum Volume (ml)

0.5

Transport to Lab

Ambient (8 - 24 degrees Celsius)

Additional Referral/Aliquot Information

500uL serum - minimum volume, 1 mL serum - preferred volume

Interpretation

Acetylcholine Receptor Antibodies are present in up to 85% of patients with adult-onset generalised Myasthenia Gravis.

ACRA negative MG may be associated with MuSK or LRP4 antibodies.

Reference Intervals

Normal:           0 – 0.25

Borderline:      0.25 – 0.40

Positive:          > 0.40

Test Method

RIA (Radioimmunoassay)

Non-Funded Test Cost

$206.31 (Exclusive of GST)

Billing Code

6853

Additional Costing Information

Acetylcholine Receptor Antibodies - This antibody is present in over 85% of patients with adult-onset generalised Myasthenia Gravis.
A total IgG will be performed on all requests to ensure optimal performance of the assay.
Batched monthly

Contact Information

Enquiry Form