Test Price
800 AEDโ Home Collection Available
Striated Muscle Antibody (ASKA) IFA in Dilutions Test in Dubai | 800 AED
Executive Summary & Core Metrics
High-Definition Autoantibody Detection for Myasthenia Gravis & Thymoma Evaluation
- Quantitative Titer Precision: Serial dilution immunofluorescence (1:10, 1:20, 1:40, 1:80, 1:160) enables disease activity monitoring beyond binary positive/negative reporting.
- Certified Processing: ISO 9001:2015 accredited laboratory workflow ensures 99.9% analytical sensitivity across all dilution steps.
- VIP Mobile Phlebotomy & Temperature-Controlled Cold-Chain Home Collection: Available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM; samples transported under strict cold-chain integrity to the Dubai Healthcare City facility.
- Post-Test Clinical Correlation: Complimentary telephonic consultation with a DHA-licensed General Practitioner to interpret titer results within your clinical context.
- Insurance & Billing: Direct billing verification via WhatsApp at +971 54 548 8731; cashless options available for most UAE health insurance networks.
Test Overview & Methodology
The Striated Muscle Antibody (ASKA) Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) with serial dilutions detects circulating IgG autoantibodies directed against epitopes on skeletal muscle striations. These antibodies are most commonly associated with myasthenia gravis, particularly when paraneoplastic thymoma is present. Quantitative titer determination provides greater clinical resolution than qualitative screening alone, allowing clinicians to track serological response to immunosuppressive therapy or thymectomy over time.
The methodology employs commercially prepared primate skeletal muscle tissue sections as substrate. Patient serum is incubated across a dilution series; bound autoantibodies are visualised using fluorescein-conjugated anti-human IgG. The end-point titer is defined as the highest dilution yielding unambiguous striational fluorescence. Batch processing occurs on Tuesday and Saturday mornings with results delivered within 4 calendar days.
| Feature | Quantitative ASKA IFA with Dilutions | Standard Qualitative IFA |
|---|---|---|
| Precision | End-point titer (e.g., 1:40, 1:80, 1:160) enables longitudinal disease monitoring and treatment response assessment | Positive or negative only; no gradient for follow-up comparison |
| Methodology | Indirect immunofluorescence on primate skeletal muscle with validated dilution series per DHA clinical laboratory standards | Direct IFA at single serum dilution; no titer endpoint |
| Turnaround | Results available within 4 days of sample receipt; fixed batch runs on Tuesday and Saturday | 3โ5 days; batch schedule not disclosed |
| Clinical Utility | Supports thymoma risk stratification, seronegative myasthenia workup, and post-intervention surveillance | Limited to binary screening; cannot distinguish active from treated disease |
Physician Insight & Safety Protocols
โA detectable striated muscle antibody titer should be interpreted as one component of a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation that includes neurological examination, electrodiagnostic studies, and chest imaging. Elevated titers, particularly above 1:80, raise clinical suspicion for underlying thymoma even in the absence of bulbar symptoms. I encourage patients to view this result as a guide for further investigation rather than a standalone diagnosis. Always correlate antibody findings with your neurologistโs assessment before making any changes to your care plan.โ
โ Dr. Ajay Singh, General Practitioner, DHA Registration ID: 36234132
Medication Safety Advisory
โ ๏ธ Do Not Alter Prescribed Therapy Without Medical Guidance
Acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (e.g., pyridostigmine), corticosteroids, and immunosuppressive agents must not be stopped or dose-adjusted solely based on antibody test results. Abrupt withdrawal can trigger a myasthenic crisis characterised by respiratory insufficiency or severe bulbar weakness. Any medication changes should be coordinated with the treating neurologist following complete clinical evaluation.
Exclusion Criteria & Emergency Red Flags
Sampling Contraindications & Urgent Warning Signs
- Exclusion: Active systemic infection or major surgical procedure within the preceding two weeks may produce transiently elevated antibody titers unrelated to underlying autoimmune status. Defer testing until full clinical recovery.
- Emergency Red Flag: New onset of shortness of breath, difficulty swallowing, slurred speech, or sudden limb weakness following venipuncture requires immediate emergency care. Call 998 promptly and notify your neurologist.
Patient FAQ & Clinical Guidance
1. What is the ASKA IFA test used for, and how reliable is it?
This test detects autoantibodies targeting striated muscle proteins and is primarily used to support the diagnosis of myasthenia gravis, especially when paraneoplastic thymoma is suspected. Clinical sensitivity in thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis ranges from 85% to 90%. A negative result does not exclude the diagnosis, and seronegative cases require additional electrophysiological and imaging correlation.
2. Do I need to fast before the blood draw?
Overnight fasting of 8โ12 hours is strongly recommended to minimise lipemia and ensure serum clarity for immunofluorescence reading. Plain water is permitted. Avoid high-fat meals or alcohol for 24 hours prior to collection. Follow any additional instructions provided by your referring physician.
3. When will I receive my results, and can I discuss them with a doctor?
Results are reported within 4 calendar days following batch processing on Tuesday or Saturday morning. A free telephonic consultation with a DHA-licensed general practitioner is included to help you understand your titer value and its relevance to your clinical picture. You will receive a secure link to download your official report once ready.
4. Can this test be performed if I am already taking immunosuppressive medication?
Yes, but the titer may be suppressed by corticosteroids or other immunomodulators, potentially yielding a falsely low or negative result. Inform your physician and the laboratory about all current medications. The test can still provide useful baseline data, though interpretation requires caution in the context of ongoing immunosuppression.
5. How is the sample collected, and can a home visit be arranged?
Sample collection is a standard venipuncture of approximately 5 mL of whole blood into a serum separator tube. VIP mobile phlebotomy and temperature-controlled cold-chain home collection are available daily from 8 AM to 11 PM across Dubai and select northern Emirates. A certified phlebotomist will handle the draw and ensure immediate cold-chain transport to our Dubai Healthcare City laboratory.
UAE Regulatory & Data Privacy Adherence
Compliance Framework
- All personal health data is processed and stored in full compliance with Federal Decree-Law No. 45 of 2021 on Personal Data Protection (PDPL), ensuring your medical information remains confidential and is used solely for diagnostic purposes.
- Laboratory information systems and data transmission channels adhere to Federal Law No. 2 of 2019 Concerning the Use of Information and Communication Technology in Health Fields, guaranteeing secure handling of electronic health records.
- Clinical testing procedures, patient consent protocols, and professional liability safeguards are governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 4 of 2016 on Medical Liability, which upholds the highest standards of patient safety and ethical medical practice.
Clinical & Logistical Metadata
| Test Name | Striated Muscle Antibody (ASKA) IFA in Dilutions |
| Price (AED) | 800 AED |
| Turnaround Time | 4 calendar days from sample receipt (batch runs Tuesday and Saturday) |
| Sample Type / Matrix | Serum (whole blood collected in serum separator tube) |
| Methodology Used | Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) on primate skeletal muscle substrate with serial dilutions (1:10 through 1:160) |
| ICD-10-CM Code | G70.0 (Myasthenia gravis) |
| LOINC Code | 16197-2 (Striated Muscle Ab [Presence] in Serum) |
| DHA Facility License & Laboratory Address | DHA Facility License Number: 1143 โ Premises 105, Floor 1, Building 33, Dubai Healthcare City, Dubai, UAE โ DNA Labs UAE |
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