Acetylcholine Receptor (AChR) Binding Antibody Test
Short Name: AChR Binding Antibody
Also known as: AChR Antibody Test, Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody Test, AChR Binding Assay, Anti-AChR Antibody Test, Myasthenia Gravis Antibody Test
Acetylcholine Receptor (AChR) Binding Antibody Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,500. Uses Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA) on Serum samples. Results in Results are typically available within 1 week from the date of sample collection.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
Overview
The purpose of the AChR Binding Antibody Test is to detect autoantibodies directed against acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This test is ordered to confirm a diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis, monitor disease activity, and guide treatment decisions. It is a first-line serological investigation when a patient presents with clinical signs of fatigable muscle weakness, ptosis, diplopia, dysphagia, or respiratory difficulty. A positive result supports the autoimmune basis of the condition and helps distinguish Myasthenia Gravis from other neuromuscular and neurological disorders.
- Test Code
- 54
- CPT Code
- 83519
- ICD Code
- G70.00
- Price
- ₹3,500
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Results are typically available within 1 week from the date of sample collection.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Sample Collection
Avoid general anaesthetic or muscle relaxant drugs for 24 hours prior to sample collection. Inform your physician about any medications you are currently taking, including immunosuppressants. No fasting is required for this test.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A healthcare professional will collect approximately 2 mL of blood from a vein in your arm (venipuncture) using standard aseptic technique. The blood is transferred to a Serum Separator Tube (SST). The procedure typically takes less than 5 minutes.
Report Delivery
After blood collection, gentle pressure is applied to the puncture site with a cotton ball or bandage. You may resume normal activities immediately. Minor bruising at the puncture site is normal and resolves within a few days.
Timeline: Results are typically available within 1 week from the date of sample collection.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of the AChR Binding Antibody Test is to detect autoantibodies directed against acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This test is ordered to confirm a diagnosis of Myasthenia Gravis, monitor disease activity, and guide treatment decisions. It is a first-line serological investigation when a patient presents with clinical signs of fatigable muscle weakness, ptosis, diplopia, dysphagia, or respiratory difficulty. A positive result supports the autoimmune basis of the condition and helps distinguish Myasthenia Gravis from other neuromuscular and neurological disorders.
How to Prepare
- Collect 2 mL (minimum 1 mL) of blood in a Serum Separator Tube (SST)
- Allow blood to clot, then centrifuge to separate serum
- Ship the sample refrigerated (2–8°C) or frozen (-20°C)
- Avoid general anaesthetic or muscle relaxant drugs 24 hours prior to sampling
- Do not collect from patients who have recently received radio-isotopes therapeutically or diagnostically
- Ensure proper labelling with patient identification details
Doctor's Notes
"The AChR Binding Antibody Test is one of the most critical serological investigations for confirming generalized Myasthenia Gravis. A positive result, combined with clinical features such as fatigable weakness, strongly supports the diagnosis. However, a negative result does not completely exclude MG, particularly in ocular or early-stage disease. In such cases, additional antibody panels (Anti-MuSK, Anti-LRP4) and electrophysiological studies should be considered. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for initiating appropriate immunotherapy and improving patient outcomes."
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Hemolyzed samples
- Lipemic or icteric samples that may interfere with assay
- Samples collected in incorrect tube type (non-SST)
- Insufficient sample volume (less than 1 mL serum)
- Samples from patients with recent radio-isotope exposure
- Unlabelled or mislabelled samples
Understanding Your Results
Negative (<0.4 nmol/L)
May indicate absence of AChR-antibody-positive MG, or early/limited disease with low antibody titres.
Borderline / Equivocal (0.3–0.5 nmol/L)
Could indicate early immune activation, low-titre antibodies, or borderline assay reactivity.
Positive (≥0.4 nmol/L)
Strong diagnostic indicator for Myasthenia Gravis. Helps guide initiation of immunotherapy, anticholinesterase agents, or consideration for thymectomy.
Consult your physician or neurologist immediately if you experience progressive muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, double vision, difficulty swallowing or breathing, or any combination of these symptoms. Early diagnosis and treatment of Myasthenia Gravis can significantly improve quality of life and prevent potentially life-threatening complications such as myasthenic crisis.
Limitations
- ⚠A negative result does not completely rule out Myasthenia Gravis; approximately 10–15% of generalized MG patients are seronegative for AChR antibodies
- ⚠Sensitivity is lower (approximately 50%) in patients with purely ocular Myasthenia Gravis
- ⚠This test detects binding antibodies only; blocking and modulating AChR antibodies require separate assays
- ⚠Antibody levels do not always correlate with disease severity or clinical outcomes
- ⚠Results should always be interpreted in conjunction with clinical findings and other diagnostic investigations such as electromyography and ice pack tests
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor bruising or pain at the blood draw site
- ●Slight risk of infection at the puncture site (rare with proper aseptic technique)
- ●Fainting or lightheadedness during or after blood collection (uncommon)
Interfering Factors
- ●Recent use of general anaesthetic or muscle relaxant drugs within 24 hours prior to sample collection
- ●Recent radio-isotope therapy or diagnostic procedures (therapeutic or diagnostic radio-isotopes may cause assay interference)
- ●Ongoing immunosuppressive therapy may reduce antibody levels and produce false-negative results
- ●Recent plasmapheresis or intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) therapy may temporarily lower antibody titres
- ●Hemolyzed, lipemic, or contaminated serum samples may affect test accuracy
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Acetylcholine Receptor (AChR) Binding Antibody Test | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Acetylcholine Receptor (AChR) Binding Antibody Test | The Anti-MuSK test detects antibodies against muscle-specific kinase. It is recommended when AChR antibodies are negative but clinical suspicion for MG remains. Approximately 40% of AChR-negative generalized MG patients are positive for Anti-MuSK antibodies. | RNS is an electrophysiological test that assesses neuromuscular junction function by measuring decremental muscle response to repeated nerve stimulation. It complements antibody testing and is useful for evaluating neuromuscular transmission defects. | This test detects antibodies against striated muscle proteins. It is useful for identifying patients who may have a thymoma (tumour of the thymus gland) and can complement AChR antibody testing in the diagnostic workup. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the AChR Binding Antibody Test?
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Is fasting required before the AChR Binding Antibody Test?
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What does a positive AChR Binding Antibody result mean?
What does a negative AChR Binding Antibody result mean?
What is Myasthenia Gravis?
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