Striated/Skeletal Muscle Antibody (ASKA) IFA in Dilutions Test
Short Name: ASKA IFA
Also known as: ASKA, Anti-Skeletal Muscle Antibody, Striated Muscle Antibody IFA, Anti-Striated Muscle Antibody
Striated/Skeletal Muscle Antibody (ASKA) IFA in Dilutions Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹4,500. Uses Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) on Serum samples. Results in Samples are accepted on Tuesday and Saturday by 9 am; reports are usually generated within 4 days.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
Overview
This test helps identify anti-striated muscle autoantibodies in serum. It is used as an aid in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, especially with thymoma, and in other autoimmune neuromuscular and systemic autoimmune disorders. The dilution-based IFA method provides a semi-quantitative titre that supports clinical assessment and monitoring.
- Test Code
- 3671
- Price
- ₹4,500
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Samples are accepted on Tuesday and Saturday by 9 am; reports are usually generated within 4 days.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
Sample Collection
Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory. Inform your doctor about all medications, especially immunosuppressants, D-penicillamine, or IVIG therapy.
Method: Venipuncture
Laboratory Analysis
A trained phlebotomist will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The procedure takes a few minutes and involves minimal discomfort.
Report Delivery
You can resume normal activities immediately. Apply gentle pressure at the puncture site for a few minutes to prevent bruising.
Timeline: Samples are accepted on Tuesday and Saturday by 9 am; reports are usually generated within 4 days.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
This test helps identify anti-striated muscle autoantibodies in serum. It is used as an aid in the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, especially with thymoma, and in other autoimmune neuromuscular and systemic autoimmune disorders. The dilution-based IFA method provides a semi-quantitative titre that supports clinical assessment and monitoring.
How to Prepare
- Overnight fasting is preferred before sample collection.
- Blood should be drawn into an SST (serum separator tube).
- Allow the sample to clot for 30 minutes before centrifugation if using a non-SST tube.
- Transport the sample refrigerated or frozen as instructed by the laboratory.
Doctor's Notes
"Positive ASKA results should be interpreted alongside acetylcholine receptor antibodies, electrical studies of the neuromuscular junction, and chest imaging for thymoma."
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Mislabeled or unlabeled sample
- Improper transport or incorrect storage temperature
- Severely hemolyzed, lipemic, or icteric sample that interferes with testing
Understanding Your Results
Negative
No detectable anti-striated muscle antibodies.
Borderline
Weakly positive; correlate with clinical features and additional serology.
Positive
Significant anti-striated muscle antibody detected; consider myasthenia gravis with thymoma or other associated conditions.
If your result is positive or if you have symptoms such as persistent muscle weakness, ptosis, double vision, swallowing difficulty, or breathlessness, consult a neurologist or an immunologist immediately.
Limitations
- ⚠Positive ASKA is not specific for myasthenia gravis and may occur in other autoimmune and malignant conditions.
- ⚠Low titres may be found in elderly patients without clinical muscle disease.
- ⚠A negative ASKA result does not exclude myasthenia gravis or thymoma.
- ⚠Results must be interpreted with clinical findings, electrophysiological studies, and other serological tests.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Mild bruising at the venipuncture site
- ●Bleeding or hematoma
- ●Infection at the puncture site in rare cases
- ●Fainting or lightheadedness during blood draw
Interfering Factors
- ●Immunosuppressive drugs, such as corticosteroids or azathioprine, may reduce antibody levels.
- ●Recent IVIG or plasmapheresis can lower the measured antibody titre.
- ●Severe hemolysis, lipemia, or icterus may interfere with immunofluorescence reading.
- ●Low-titre false positives may occur in healthy older adults.
Compare With Similar Tests
| Test | Striated/Skeletal Muscle Antibody (ASKA) IFA in Dilutions Test | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comparison | Striated/Skeletal Muscle Antibody (ASKA) IFA in Dilutions Test |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Striated/Skeletal Muscle Antibody (ASKA) test?
How much does the ASKA IFA in Dilutions test cost in India?
Is fasting required before the ASKA IFA test?
What sample is needed for this test?
Which diseases are associated with positive ASKA antibodies?
How is the test performed?
When will I get my reports?
Can this test alone diagnose myasthenia gravis?
What does a positive ASKA titre mean?
Are there any risks with the test?
Is home sample collection available for this test?
Which doctor should I consult after an abnormal result?
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