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. 1991 May;54(5):454–456. doi: 10.1136/jnnp.54.5.454

Deficiencies in anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody measurement in myasthenia gravis.

C E Clarke 1, D I Shepherd 1, G M Yuill 1, J C Smaje 1, P B Wilson 1
PMCID: PMC488549  PMID: 1865211

Abstract

In a retrospective case note study of 86 patients with myasthenia gravis, 60 had an anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody assay performed by the regional immunology laboratory. Antibody was detected in 38% which compares with 66-93% in other series. Whilst the use of staphylococcal protein A to precipitate the antibody-receptor complex, rather than anti-human immunoglobulin, may be partly responsible for this low sensitivity, other methodological problems are likely to exist. It is suggested that this potentially critical assay becomes a subject for regular audit.

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Selected References

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