Cardiac Muscle Antibodies
Please note: Cardiac Muscle Antibody testing is performed by a referral laboratory. This assay is only available to members of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.
Cardiac muscle antibodies are described in patients with Dressler’s syndrome after myocardial infarction, cardiomyopathy, myocarditis and in patients who have undergone cardiac surgery or have had rheumatic fever. They can be directed towards a number of antigens such as adenine nucleotide translocator protein, cardiac myosin and tropomysin. The presence of antibodies can occur without the Dressler syndrome. (Source: IMMQAS.org.uk)
This assay is performed at a referral laboratory (external users requiring serum Cardiac Muscle Antibodies are advised to contact the referral laboratory directly):
Department of Immunology
PO Box 894
SHEFFIELD
S5 7YT
Specimen requirements
Serum 2ml; plasma is NOT acceptable.
Cost
-
Laboratory turnaround time
28 days
Laboratory method
Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF).
Reference range/units
Results are reported as either
NEGATIVE or POSITIVE, with pattern as follows:-
- Striational
A striational pattern is seen in both cardiac and skeletal muscle but sometimes seen more prominently in skeletal muscle than cardiac muscle. This may be associated with Myasthenia Gravis and thymoma (See skeletal muscle).
- Myocardial
If myocardial antibodies are positive, the pattern is reported as anti-sarcolemmal or anti-fibrillary.
Associated tests
Skeletal Muscle Antibodies
Shipping and storage
Internal hospital transport/courier.
Ensure delivery Monday to Friday 07:00 - 17:30.
Further information and contact details
For further information, email immunology.office@nhs.net.