Muscle Specific Tyrosine Kinase (MUSK)

Department of Immunology

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.
Also known as - Muscle-specific Tyrosine Kinase antibodies.
Test performed at Immunology Dept., Churchill Hospital, Oxford.

Adult

5ml Gold-top SST tube or 3.5ml Rust-top gel tube (Trust users only)

Paediatric

1ml Serum Sample

4 weeks

2 months (whilst stored at 2 °C - 8 °C)