SKELETAL MUSCLE ANTIBODIES

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Specimen: 5 mL blood in plain tube.

Method: Indirect IF.

Reference Interval: Not detected.

Application: Assessment of patients with documented myasthenia gravis; detected in 40% of affected subjects, but in over 90% of those with thymoma. Acetylcholine receptor antibodies should also be requested.

Interpretation: A positive result indicates that the possibility of thymoma should be actively investigated.

Reference: Kuks JB et al. J Neurol Sc 1993; 119: 183-188.

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