ASKA-Skeletal (Striated)Muscle Antibody

What is ASKA Skeletal (Striated) Muscle Antibody?

Anti Skeletal/Striated Muscle Antibody (ASKA) is a diagnostic test for an autoimmune disease called myasthenia gravis. A person suffering from myasthenia gravis may have symptoms such as fatigue, drooping eyelids, inactivity of the muscle, especially the involuntary muscles, and poor mastication (chewing).

The ASKA skeletal (striated) muscle antibody test is typically used to check for the presence of abnormal antibodies in the serum of the individual, which blocks the receptor site of acetylcholine, an important neurological transmitter responsible for transmitting from the receptor site to the brain. The test is advised to patients showing positive symptoms of myasthenia gravis.

Why is ASKA Skeletal (Striated) Muscle Antibody done?

To help in the detection of autoimmune diseases such as Myasthenia gravis, Thymoma and certain types of cancers.

A small sample of blood will be drawn from the patient's arm, and the serum will layer be tested. The procedure for obtaining the blood sample is: The site will be cleaned with an alcohol swab. A sterile needle will be inserted into the arm of the patient. A blood sample of 2ml will be drawn from the patient's arm. The site will be cleaned with a cotton swab. If required, the site will be bandaged.

To test antibody levels, the serum of the blood sample is analysed. The results are interpreted as follows: Positive test for presence of autoimmune antibodies: Thymoma Possibility of Myasthenia Gravis Small cell lung cancer Negative test for presence of autoimmune antibodies: Does not rule out possibility of Myasthenia Gravis, but directs towards other diagnostic tests.

No special preparations are required for this test. Since it is a blood test, a shirt with short sleeves should be worn by the patient. The doctor should be informed of any medications the patient is prescribed or any allergies he suffers from. There is no restriction to the diet of the patient, however, any instructions from the lab must be followed.