Laboratory Medicine
Test Directory / Muscle specific tyrosine kinase
Muscle specific tyrosine kinase
Brown clotted serum, gel barrier
| Test | Muscle specific tyrosine kinase | 
|---|---|
| Common Abbreviations | MUSK | 
| Profile | N/A | 
| Clinical Indication | Muscle specific tyrosine kinase (MUSK) is a surface membrane enzyme that is essential in aggregating Acetylcholine receptor during the development of the neuromuscular junction. Recent studies have shown that antibodies to Musk are present in 40% to 50% of patients with generalized Acetylcholine Receptor seronegative MG. Anti-Musk antibodies have not been found in patients with purely ocular myasthenia or in those with anti-acetylcholine receptor antibodies. | 
| Specimen Type | Blood | 
| Sample Type | Serum | 
| Minimum Volume | 1 mL | 
| Special Precautions | No special requirements | 
| Stability | Contact Referral Laboratory | 
| Turnaround Time | 3 weeks | 
| Laboratory | Immunology Laboratory, Oxford University Hospitals NHSFT | 
| Reference Interval | Contact Referral Laboratory | 
| Limitations | Contact Referral Laboratory | 






