Anti-MuSK antibodies (Blood)

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Testing Laboratory

Auckland Te Toka Tumai | Auckland Hospital

Department

Immunology

Delphic Registration Code (Alpha Code)

MUSK

Test Code (Numeric Code)

8661

Laboratory Handling

Phlebotomy

Serum

Transport

Ambient (8 - 24 °C) within 48 hours; Chilled (4 - 8 °C) if longer than 48 hours

Registration

MUSK

Test Adds Requirement

This test may be vetted by a pathologist.

Sample Stability

Up to 48 hours: 8 - 24 °C; Up to 14 days: 4 - 8 °C; Up to 6 months: -30 °C; Indefinite at - 80 °C

Synonyms

Muscle-Specific Kinase antibodies
Myasthenia gravis

Turnaround Time

4 weeks

Due to the testing protocols, this is a batched assay and urgent/one off testing is not available.

This test may be vetted by the laboratory. Please include relevant clinical information on the request form to ensure appropriate tests are approved. See the 'Clinical Information' section below for more information on the indications for testing.

Specimen Type

  • Serum

Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Acceptable
  • Plain (Red Top)
Preferred Sample Volume (ml)

3.5

Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Paediatric Specimen Requirements

Tube/Container Type:

Preferred
  • SST II (Gold Cap)
Acceptable
  • Plain(Microtainer)
  • SST(Microtainer)
Minimum Sample Volume (ml)

1

Pre-testing Requirements

The clinical information for the test must be clearly written on the request form. If clinical information is not provided, or does not provide sufficient justification for the test, the test may be declined.

Declined tests :

If a test is declined, the specimen will be held for a reasonable period (usually 3 weeks but dependant on the viability of the sample). Medical practitioners seeking approval for a declined test should email the LabPLUS Immunology Team, giving the patient's name and NHI number and the clinical justification for the test. If unable to email, call the on-call Immunologist via Lablink (09-3078995).

Test vetting policy

In addition to this assay being a requested test, it will also be performed as a reflex test in the setting of a first-time AChRAb negative result. Patients reactive for AChRAb will not be tested for MuSK antibodies.

Additional Specimen Information

Paediatric Specimen: 2 mL clotted blood or 1 mL serum

Last updated: 14/04/2026