Acetylcholine receptor antibody

Alternative names:

edrophonium test

How the test is performed:

Blood is drawn by the fingerstick (or heelstick on an infant) method, and a drop of it is placed on blotting paper to determine if the acetylcholine receptor antibody is present in the bloodstream.

How to prepare for the test:

If you are taking edrophonium, you may be told to stop taking the drug for a short time before the test; then take it again before a second test to determine the change.

Infants and children:
The physical and psychological preparation you can provide for this or any test or procedure depends on your child's age, interests, previous experience, and level of trust. For specific information regarding how you can prepare your child, see the following topics as they correspond to your child's age:

• infant test or procedure preparation (birth to 1 year)
• toddler test or procedure preparation (1 to 3 years)
• preschooler test or procedure preparation (3 to 6 years)
• schoolage test or procedure preparation (6 to 12 years)
• adolescent test or procedure preparation (12 to 18 years)

How the test will feel:

This test requires a small amount of blood to be drawn. The method used is the fingerstick (pricking the finger with a needle). The fingerstick is very quick, and most people experience minimal discomfort.

Why the test is performed:

This is a diagnostic test for myasthenia gravis. If you lose the ability to move muscles after minimal activity, this test can help determine the cause.