Test ID STR Striational (Striated Muscle) Antibodies, Serum
Useful For
As a serological aid in the diagnosis of thymoma, especially in patients with onset of myasthenia gravis (MG) younger than 45 years
As a screening test for MG in older patients, especially when tests for muscle AChR antibodies are negative
Serial measurements are useful in monitoring the efficacy of immunosuppressant treatment in patients with MG
Serial measurements are useful after treatment of thymoma
Serial measurements in recipients of D-penicillamine or bone marrow allografts may be useful in monitoring autoimmune complications and graft-versus-host disease, respectively
Testing Algorithm
See Paraneoplastic Evaluation Algorithm in Special Instructions
Special Instructions
Method Name
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Reporting Name
Striational (Striated Muscle) Ab, SSpecimen Type
SerumContainer/Tube:
Preferred: Red top
Acceptable: Serum gel
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.3 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 28 days |
Frozen | 28 days | |
Ambient | 72 hours |
Clinical Information
Autoantibodies directed against the contractile elements of striated muscle are found in 30% of adult patients with myasthenia gravis and in 80% of those with thymoma. These antibodies may also be detected in patients with: Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, small-cell lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, patients treated with D-penicillamine, bone marrow transplant recipients having graft-versus-host disease, and autoimmune liver disorders.
While this test is used as a serological aid in the diagnosis of thymoma, especially in patients with onset of myasthenia gravis (MG) younger than 45 years, it is more predictive of thymoma when accompanied by a muscle acetylcholine receptor (AChR) modulating antibody value of ≥90% AChR loss and is most predictive of thymoma when accompanied by CRMP-5-IgG. Serial measurements are useful after treatment of thymoma. Measurements of muscle AChR binding, muscle AChR modulating antibody, and CRMP-5-IgG (if initially positive) are also recommended.
Reference Values
<1:120
Cautions
A negative result does not exclude the presence of thymoma (20% are negative).
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday; 3 p.m.
Report Available
3 daysPerforming Laboratory

Test Classification
This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.CPT Code Information
83520