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Medical Video: Acetylcholine Receptor AB Test - Myasthenia Gravis
Definition
What are acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
Acetylcholine receptor antibodies are substances that can inhibit acetylcholine bonds with receptors on muscle cell membranes. Acetylcholine makes the muscles contract, while the acetylcholine antibody receptor works otherwise. The inability of the muscle to contract is the main characteristic of myasthenia gravis (MG).
Acetylcholine receptor antibodies are found in more than 85% of patients with myasthenia gravis. However, these antibodies are rarely found in patients who have myasthenia gravis in the eye.
The acetylcholine receptor antibody test is the most accurate test for diagnosing myasthenia gravis. This test changes AChR positively so that it can show a subclinical diagnosis of myasthenia gravis disease. However, this test blocks drugs that can block neuromuscular transmission such as curare (poisons used in arrows)
When should I take acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
This test is done for:
- diagnose myasthenia gravis in patients
- monitor the patient's reaction to immunosuppressive therapy (therapy to cure myasthenia gravis)
Prevention & warning
What should I know before taking acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
Not all antibodies reduce neuromuscular transmission.
The test results will not be accurate if you:
- have amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- exposed to cobra poison
Have symptoms of penicillamine myasthenia gravis or Lambert-Eaton syndrome. Medications can increase antibodies, such as succinylcholine (muscle relaxant). Immunosuppressive drugs can inhibit antibody production in subclinical patients with myasthenia gravis.
Pay attention to warnings and precautions before undergoing this treatment. If you have questions, please consult a doctor for further information and instructions.
Process
What should I do before taking acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
There is no special preparation before undergoing this test. However, the doctor may conduct a clinical examination first. Consult your doctor about certain preparations before undergoing the test.
You are recommended to use short-sleeved clothing to make it easier to take blood samples from your hands.
How does the acetylcholine receptor antibody process?
The medical personnel who are in charge of taking your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop the blood flow. This makes the blood vessels under the bond enlarge making it easier to inject needles into the vessels
- clean the part to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be needed.
- attach the tube to the syringe to fill it with blood
- remove the ties from your arms when taking blood is enough
- attach gauze or cotton to the injected part, after the injection is finished
- put pressure on the part and then put on a bandage
What should I do after undergoing acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
Some people may feel pain when a syringe is inserted into the skin. But for most people, the pain will gradually disappear when the needle is right in the vein. Generally, the level of pain experienced depends on the expertise of the nurse, the condition of the arteries, and a person's sensitivity to pain.
After going through the process of taking blood, wrap your hands in a bandage. Press the vein slowly to stop bleeding. After doing the test, you can do activities as usual.
If you have questions about the test process, please consult a doctor for further instructions.
Explanation of Test Results
What do the test results mean?
Normal
The normal range for each test may vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Usually, the normal range will be written on the test paper. Discuss with our doctor or health professional before the test and after receiving the test results for accurate results.
Normal range:
| Antibodies that bind the Ach receptors (in muscles): | .020.02 nmol / L |
| Antibodies that change the Ach receptor (in muscles): | 0 - 20% (indicates a decrease in the number of AC receptors) |
| Antibodies in the striated muscle | <1:60 |
Abnormal
An increase in the number of antibodies can be caused by disease:
- weak muscles
- weak eye muscles
- malignant thymus cancer
The normal range for acetylcholine receptor antibody tests can vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Please discuss with your doctor if there are questions about your test results.
Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
