Acetylcholine receptor antibody

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Blood test

Acetylcholine receptor antibody is an antibody found in the blood of people with myasthenia gravis.

The acetylcholine receptor antibody attacks receptors for the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which sends signals from nerves to muscles and from nerve to nerve in the brain. The antibody prevents transmission of the signal and causes muscle weakness.

A blood test can detect the presence of these antibodies.

No special preparation is required.

There may be a slight stinging or pricking sensation when blood is drawn, but this is usually mild and brief.

This is a diagnostic test for myasthenia gravis. About 85% of people with generalized myasthenia and 60% of people with ocular myasthenia will have acetylcholine receptor antibodies in their blood.

Review Date: 04/28/2005
Reviewed By: Chitra R. Uppaluri, M.D., Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St. Louis, MO. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.

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