Test Code LAB3306 Myasthenia Gravis Evaluation with Muscle-Specific Kinase (MuSK) Reflex, Serum
Ordering Guidance
This test should not be requested for patients who have recently received radioisotopes, therapeutically or diagnostically, because of potential assay interference. The specific waiting period before specimen collection will depend on the isotope administered, the dose given, and the clearance rate in the individual patient. Specimens will be screened for radioactivity prior to analysis. Radioactive specimens received in the laboratory will be held 1 week and assayed if sufficiently decayed or canceled if radioactivity remains.
Specimen Required
Patient Preparation: For optimal antibody detection, specimen collection is recommended prior to initiation of immunosuppressant medication or intravenous immunoglobulin treatment.
Supplies: Sarstedt Aliquot Tube, 5 mL (T914)
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 3 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Forms
If not ordering electronically, complete, print, and send a Neurology Specialty Testing Client Test Request (T732) with the specimen.
Secondary ID
608980Useful For
Diagnosing autoimmune myasthenia gravis (MG) in adults and children
Distinguishing autoimmune from congenital MG in adults and children or other acquired forms of neuromuscular junction transmission disorders
Establishing a quantitative baseline value that allows comparison with future levels if weakness is worsening
Profile Information
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
MGMRI | MG with MuSK Interpretation, S | No | Yes |
ARBI | ACh Receptor (Muscle) Binding Ab | Yes | Yes |
Reflex Tests
Test ID | Reporting Name | Available Separately | Always Performed |
---|---|---|---|
ACMFS | AChR Modulating Flow Cytometry, S | No | No |
MUSK | MuSK Autoantibody, S | Yes | No |
Testing Algorithm
If acetylcholine receptor (AChR)-binding antibodies are greater than 0.02 nmol/L, then AChR muscle modulating antibody will be performed at an additional charge.
If AChR-binding antibodies are 0.02 nmol/L or less, then muscle-specific kinase (MuSK) autoantibody will be performed at an additional charge.
If unable to report AChR binding antibody due to interfering substances, then AChR muscle modulating antibody will be performed at an additional charge.
If unable to report AChR binding antibody due to interfering substances and AChR muscle modulating antibody is negative, then MuSK autoantibody will be performed at an additional charge.
Method Name
ARBI, MUSK: Radioimmunoassay (RIA)
ACMFS: Flow Cytometry
MGMRI: Medical Interpretation
Reporting Name
MG Evaluation MuSK Reflex, SSpecimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
2 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
Frozen | 28 days | |
Ambient | 72 hours |
Reject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | Reject |
Reference Values
Test ID |
Reporting Name |
Methodology |
Reference Value |
MGMRI |
MG with MuSK Interpretation, S |
Interpretation |
NA |
ARBI |
ACh Receptor (Muscle) Binding Ab |
Radioimmunoassay (RIA) |
≤0.02 nmol/L |
Reflex Information:
Test ID |
Reporting Name |
Methodology |
Reference Value |
ACMFS |
AChR Modulating Flow Cytometry, S |
Flow Cytometry |
Negative |
MUSK |
MuSK Autoantibody, S |
RIA |
≤0.02 nmol/L |
Cautions
These results should only be interpreted in the appropriate clinical and electrophysiological context and are not diagnostic in isolation.
Specimens should be collected prior to administration of immunosuppressant therapy as this may reduce the diagnostic sensitivity of the assay; the neurological diagnosis is further confounded if steroid myopathy develops.
Positive muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) may occur in autoimmune liver disorders and in patients with graft-versus-host disease and recipients of D-penicillamine.
Weakly positive results may occur with hypergammaglobulinemia and should be interpreted with caution in the appropriate clinical context.
AChR modulating antibodies will only be performed if AChR binding antibodies are present or if there is an interfering substance present that precludes testing for AChR binding antibodies.
Seropositive rates and quantitative results differ across laboratories and patient results tested at different laboratories should not be treated equivalently.
The presence of alpha-bungarotoxin antibodies may interfere with the AChR muscle binding antibody assay and therefore if detected, AChR binding results will not be reported.
Day(s) Performed
Profile tests: Monday through Sunday; Reflex tests: Varies
Report Available
3 to 10 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. It has not been cleared or approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
86041
86043 (if appropriate)
86366 (if appropriate)
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
MGMR | MG Evaluation MuSK Reflex, S | 53706-8 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
608981 | MG with MuSK Interpretation, S | 69048-7 |
8338 | ACh Receptor (Muscle) Binding Ab | 97558-1 |