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The Acetylcholine Receptor Antibody (AChR Ab) test is used to detect antibodies against the acetylcholine receptors in the neuromuscular junction, where nerve cells communicate with muscles. These receptors are essential for muscle contraction, as acetylcholine (a neurotransmitter) binds to them to trigger muscle action.

Key Points about the AChR Ab Test:

• Acetylcholine Receptors (AChRs): These are proteins located on muscle cells that receive signals from nerves, allowing muscles to contract. In certain autoimmune conditions, the body produces antibodies against these receptors, which disrupts normal nerve-to-muscle communication.

• Myasthenia Gravis: The AChR Ab test is primarily used to diagnose Myasthenia Gravis (MG), a chronic autoimmune neuromuscular disorder where the immune system attacks the acetylcholine receptors at the neuromuscular junction. This leads to muscle weakness, especially in muscles that control eye movement, swallowing, and breathing.

Purpose of the AChR Ab Test:

• Diagnose Myasthenia Gravis (MG): The test is most commonly used when a person shows symptoms like muscle weakness, drooping eyelids, and difficulty swallowing. High levels of AChR antibodies are present in approximately 80-90% of patients with generalized MG and around 50-70% in those with ocular MG (affecting only the eye muscles).

• Monitor disease progression and treatment: In patients already diagnosed with MG, this test can help monitor the severity of the disease and how well treatment is working. The levels of AChR antibodies often correlate with disease severity.

• Assist in diagnosing other neuromuscular disorders: While primarily associated with MG, the test can help rule out other conditions causing similar symptoms.