Can blood tests identify your MG subtype?
Yes, blood tests can help identify your MG subtype by detecting which antibodies are present. The results tell you important information about your specific type of myasthenia gravis.
Here's what the different antibody tests reveal:
- AChR antibodies — Most people with MG have Show Full Answer
Can blood tests identify your MG subtype?
Yes, blood tests can help identify your MG subtype by detecting which antibodies are present. The results tell you important information about your specific type of myasthenia gravis.
Here's what the different antibody tests reveal:
- AChR antibodies — Most people with MG have these (about 80%). If your test shows these antibodies, you have AChR-positive MG.
- MuSK antibodies — About 30-40% of people who don't have AChR antibodies will have MuSK antibodies instead. This indicates MuSK-positive MG.
- Double-seronegative MG — Between 6-10% of people with MG test negative for both AChR and MuSK antibodies. This is still a valid subtype, though it can be harder to diagnose.
If you've tested negative for the main antibodies, your neurologist might recommend additional tests for other autoantibodies like anti-LRP4 or anti-striated muscle antibody.
A MGteam member shared: "None of my bloodwork was positive, but I was diagnosed on the basis of symptoms, nerve conduction studies, and response to pyridostigmine (Mestinon)."
Your subtype matters because it can guide treatment decisions. For example, people with MuSK antibodies may respond differently to certain medications than those with AChR antibodies.
If you're unsure about your subtype, it's worth asking your neurologist which specific antibody tests you've had and what the results showed.
April 7
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