From Textbook (Diagnostic Test Vocabulary) - Unit 5: The Muscular System

acetylcholine receptor antibody test

Test that detects antibodies that the body produces against its acetylcholine receptors. It is used to diagnose myasthenia gravis.

creatine phosphokinase (CPK-MM)

Test that measures the level of serum CPK-MM, an isoenzyme found in the muscles. A high blood level of CPK-MM is present in various diseases, particularly muscular dystrophy, in which muscle tissue is being destroyed.

electromyography (EMG)

Procedure to diagnose muscle disease or nerve damage. A needle electrode inserted into a muscle records electrical activity as the muscle contracts and relaxes. The electrical activity is displayed as waveforms on a computer screen and recorded as an electromyogram.

edrophonium test

Procedure in which the drug edrophonium is given to confirm a diagnosis of myasthenia gravis. The drug blocks the enzyme that breaks down acetylcholine, and patients with myasthenia gravis show temporarily increased muscle strength during the test.