Ulta Lab Tests

Acetylcholine Receptor Ganglionic (Alpha 3) Antibody Test

The Acetylcholine Receptor Ganglionic (Alpha 3) Antibody Test detects antibodies targeting ganglionic acetylcholine receptors, which may indicate autoimmune autonomic ganglionopathy (AAG) or related neurological disorders. Elevated levels are linked to autonomic nervous system dysfunction causing dizziness, fainting, abnormal sweating, or blood pressure changes. Doctors order this test to investigate unexplained autonomic symptoms. 

Blood
Blood Draw
a3-AChR Antibody Test, nAChR Ganglionic Neuronal Antibody Test
There are no preparation instructions.

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

ACETYLCHOLINE RECEPTOR

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The Acetylcholine Receptor Ganglionic (Alpha 3) Antibody Test test contains 1 test with 1 biomarker .

Acetylcholine Receptor Ganglionic (Alpha-3) Antibody — Quest Diagnostics
Ulta Lab Tests | Test Code (Quest): 93881 | CPT: 83519
Also called: a3-AChR Antibody; nAChR Ganglionic Neuronal Antibody

What this test checks

A blood test that detects IgG autoantibodies to the ganglionic (alpha-3) nicotinic acetylcholine receptor—a key receptor for signal transmission in autonomic ganglia. A positive result supports an immune-mediated cause of autonomic dysfunction, especially Autoimmune Autonomic Ganglionopathy (AAG), and may point to a paraneoplastic process (most often small-cell lung cancer or thymoma).

When clinicians consider ordering

Unexplained or subacute autonomic failure such as orthostatic hypotension/syncope, widespread sweating abnormalities, GI dysmotility, urinary dysfunction, pupillary changes, dry eyes/mouth, or erectile dysfunction—particularly when an autoimmune or paraneoplastic etiology is suspected. Limited autonomic phenotypes (e.g., GI dysmotility, diabetic autonomic neuropathy, or postural tachycardia syndrome) may also be evaluated in context.

Clinical significance

  • Helps distinguish AAG (often immunotherapy-responsive) from other causes of autonomic neuropathy.

  • Can flag paraneoplastic AAG, prompting tumor evaluation and treatment that may improve neurologic outcomes. 

  • Antibody levels have been reported to track with disease severity in AAG in research cohorts—interpretation remains clinical-context dependent. 

Quest Diagnostics test details (Code 93881)

Methodology
Radioimmunoassay (RIA).

Specimen

  • Preferred: 1 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL) in a transport tube.

  • Transport temperature: Frozen.

  • Stability: 48 hours at room temp; 48 hours refrigerated; 75 days frozen. 

Reference range & interpretation (pmol/L)

  • Negative: <55 pmol/L

  • Borderline: 55–160 pmol/L

  • Positive: >160 pmol/L
    Use the exact range on your report for interpretation. 

Turnaround & schedule

  • Setup: Mon, Wed

  • Typical reporting: 7–14 days after specimen receipt.

Availability & billing notes

  • Availability can vary by service area; Ulta Lab Tests routes specimens to an appropriate Quest facility.

  • CPT: 83519 (informational only; payer rules apply).

  • FDA status: Laboratory-developed test (LDT); not FDA-cleared/approved; validated under CLIA for clinical use. 

How to read results (practical guidance)

  • Positive/high-level results support autoimmune autonomic dysfunction and should prompt review for occult malignancy when clinically appropriate (e.g., chest imaging for SCLC; evaluation for thymoma). 

  • Borderline/low-level results may occur in limited autonomic syndromes; correlate with history, autonomic testing, and other neural autoantibodies. 

  • Document recent IVIG or plasma products; serologic testing shortly after such therapies can yield misleading positives in various antibody assays, with case reports noting this possibility for ganglionic AChR as well. Timing and clinical correlation are essential. 

Related tests to discuss with your clinician

  • Paraneoplastic/dysautonomia panels (eg, ANNA-1/Hu, CRMP5, LGI1/CASPR2, DPPX, VGKC/VGCC) based on presentation.

  • AChR (muscle) antibodies for myasthenia gravis—different antigen & indication: Binding (Quest 206), Blocking (Quest 34459), Modulating (Quest 26474). Not substitutes for ganglionic AChR testing. 

Plain-language summary

This test looks for antibodies that can disrupt the body’s automatic functions (blood pressure, sweating, gut and bladder control). A positive result supports an autoimmune cause (AAG) and sometimes points to a hidden cancer; finding and treating that cancer and/or using immune-modulating therapy can help. Your provider will interpret the level using the Quest reference range above and your symptoms and exam. 

Ulta Lab Tests advantages
Order online, visit a nearby professional draw site, and get secure results. Physician oversight is included where required; HSA/FSA accepted.

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