Table of contents:
- Definition
- What are acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
- When should I take acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before taking acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
- Process
- What should I do before taking acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
- How is the acetylcholine receptor antibody processed?
- What should I do after taking acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
Definition
What are acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
Acetylcholine receptor antibodies are substances that can inhibit acetylcholine binding with receptors on muscle cell membranes. Acetylcholine allows muscles to contract, while the antibody acetylcholine receptors work the other way around. The inability of the muscles to contract is a major feature of myasthenia gravis disease (MG).
Acetylcholine receptor antibodies are found in more than 85% of myasthenia gravis patients. 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 turns the AChR positive so that it can indicate a subclinical diagnosis of myasthenia gravis disease. However, this test blocks drugs that can block neuromuscular transmission such as curare (the poison used in arrows).
When should I take acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
This test is done to:
- diagnosing myasthenia gravis in patients
- monitoring the patient's reaction to immunosuppressive therapy (therapy to cure myasthenia gravis)
Precautions & warnings
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. Medicines can increase antibodies, such as succinylcholine (a muscle relaxant). Immunosuppressive drugs can inhibit antibody production in subclinical myasthenia gravis patients.
Observe warnings and precautions before undergoing this treatment. If you have any 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 do a clinical examination first. Consult your doctor about certain preparations before undergoing the test.
It is recommended that you wear short-sleeved clothing to make the process of taking a blood sample from your hand easier.
How is the acetylcholine receptor antibody processed?
The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
- clean the area to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
- Put the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
- untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
- attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete
- apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on
What should I do after taking acetylcholine receptor antibodies?
Some people may feel pain when the needle is inserted into the skin. But for most people, the pain will fade away when the needle is right in the vein. Generally, the level of pain experienced depends on the nurse's expertise, the condition of the blood vessels, and the person's sensitivity to pain.
After going through the blood draw process, wrap your hands with a bandage. Press the vein lightly to stop the bleeding. After doing the test, you can carry out your activities as usual.
If you have any questions regarding the test process, please consult your doctor for further instructions.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my 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 result paper. Discuss with our doctor or healthcare professional before the test and after receiving the test results for accurate results.
Normal range:
| Antibodies that bind to Ach receptors (in muscles): | ≤0.02 nmol / L |
| Antibodies that alter the Ach receptors (in muscles): | 0 - 20% (indicates a decrease in the number of Ach receptors) |
| Antibodies to striated muscles | <1:60 |
Abnormal
An increase in the number of antibodies can be caused by:
- muscle weakness
- weak eye muscles
- malignant thymus cancer
The normal range for the acetylcholine receptor antibody test may vary depending on the laboratory you choose. Please discuss with your doctor if you have any questions about your test results.
