Striated/Skeletal Muscle Antibody (ASKA) IFA Test
Short Name: ASKA IFA Test
Also known as: Anti-Striated Muscle Antibody, ASKA, Striated Muscle Antibody IFA, Skeletal Muscle Antibody
Striated/Skeletal Muscle Antibody (ASKA) IFA Test test available at DNA Labs India for ₹3,500. Uses Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) on Serum samples. Results in Reports are usually available within 4 days after sample submission. Samples accepted by 9 am on Tuesday or Saturday are processed in scheduled batches.. Free home collection in 300+ cities across India.
🩺 Medically Reviewed By
Dr SHAILAJA RAGHUNATH MURDESHWAR
Consultant Physician · Reg: 8052
Last reviewed: September 7, 2026
Overview
The purpose of this test is to detect anti-striated/skeletal muscle antibodies in blood. It helps clinicians evaluate autoimmune neuromuscular disorders, especially myasthenia gravis with suspected thymoma, and can support the diagnosis of inflammatory myopathies such as polymyositis and dermatomyositis when used with other clinical and laboratory findings.
- Test Code
- 3673
- ICD Code
- G70.0
- Price
- ₹3,500
- Sample Type
- Serum
- Result Time
- Reports are usually available within 4 days after sample submission. Samples accepted by 9 am on Tuesday or Saturday are processed in scheduled batches.
- Fasting Required
- No
- Method
- Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
Sample Collection
Overnight fasting is preferred but not mandatory. Continue prescribed medications unless your doctor has instructed otherwise. Please inform the phlebotomist if you are unwell or unable to fast.
Method: Venous blood collection
Laboratory Analysis
A trained phlebotomist will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm. The procedure is quick and usually takes less than five minutes.
Report Delivery
You may resume normal diet and activities immediately after blood collection. Keep the puncture site clean and dry. Contact the lab if you experience unusual bleeding or swelling.
Timeline: Reports are usually available within 4 days after sample submission. Samples accepted by 9 am on Tuesday or Saturday are processed in scheduled batches.
Patient Instructions
About This Test
Who Should Get This Test
The purpose of this test is to detect anti-striated/skeletal muscle antibodies in blood. It helps clinicians evaluate autoimmune neuromuscular disorders, especially myasthenia gravis with suspected thymoma, and can support the diagnosis of inflammatory myopathies such as polymyositis and dermatomyositis when used with other clinical and laboratory findings.
How to Prepare
- Overnight fasting is preferred; water can be consumed.
- Do not stop prescribed medicines without your doctor's advice.
- Inform the lab about recent medications such as D-penicillamine or immunosuppressants.
- Serum must be separated into an SST tube as per the test requirement.
Doctor's Notes
Reviewed by Dr SHAILAJA RAGHUNATH MURDESHWAR — MBBS, MD (General Medicine) · Reg. No. 8052
"The ASKA test provides useful supporting information in suspected myasthenia gravis, particularly when thymoma is suspected. It should not be interpreted in isolation; clinical findings, electromyography, AChR/MuSK antibody testing, and imaging need to be correlated."
Last medically reviewed: September 7, 2026
Test Parameters & Specifications
Sample Stability
- Improperly labelled samples
- Insufficient sample volume
- Haemolysed or grossly lipaemic samples
- Sample received in a tube other than SST
- Sample stored beyond the recommended stability period
Understanding Your Results
Negative ASKA
No anti-striated/skeletal muscle antibodies detected. This does not exclude myasthenia gravis or other autoimmune neuromuscular diseases; clinical correlation is required.
Positive ASKA
Anti-striated/skeletal muscle antibodies detected. This is associated with myasthenia gravis and thymoma, but may also occur in Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, small cell lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, autoimmune liver disorders, or patients on D-penicillamine. Clinical correlation is essential.
Consult a doctor without delay if you experience muscle weakness, difficulty swallowing, shortness of breath, double vision, drooping eyelids, unexplained fatigue, or new skin rashes with muscle pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are important in autoimmune neuromuscular disorders.
Limitations
- ⚠A positive ASKA result does not by itself confirm myasthenia gravis.
- ⚠A negative result does not exclude myasthenia gravis or other autoimmune neuromuscular disorders.
- ⚠Anti-striated muscle antibodies can be present in conditions other than myasthenia gravis and thymoma.
- ⚠Results must be interpreted with clinical evaluation and confirmatory investigations.
Risks & Considerations
- ●Minor pain or bruising at the puncture site
- ●Dizziness or lightheadedness during blood collection
- ●Bleeding or haematoma at the puncture site
- ●Rare risk of local infection
Interfering Factors
- ●D-penicillamine therapy may cause positive anti-striated muscle antibodies.
- ●Recent immunosuppressive therapy may lower antibody titres.
- ●Haemolysed, lipaemic, or turbid samples may interfere with immunofluorescence reading.
- ●Other autoimmune or malignant conditions may also produce positive results.
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