There is not just one blood test done for MD, but two. Both tests can be done from the same sample drawn from the patient. One test is performed for estimation of the creatine kinase level, and the second is for DNA studies. If the muscle fibers are deteriorating, then the enzyme creatine kinase will be released more often. An elevated level of creatine kinase is a sign of multiple forms of MD such as: Duchenne, Limb Girdle, Emery-Dreifuss, and faciosculohumeral dystrophy. The DNA test is usually used to notify the examiner if any mutated gene is present or any gene is absent. This can lead to an impartially accurate diagnosis with Duchenne and Becker dystrophy due to the specific mutated gene being known. While muscles are being used they can produce minor quantities of electricity. An EMG can detect these amounts of electricity generated by muscles and project them visually on a screen so the medical professional can visually see. This tool is an essential in helping diagnose neuromuscular disorders. What is displayed on the screen while the muscle is being used is called “action potential.” A patient with MD will have a relatively lower action potential than people with normal muscle integrity. One thing to remember is that either a person with a MD as well as a person that does not have it has no action potential while the muscle is not
There is not just one blood test done for MD, but two. Both tests can be done from the same sample drawn from the patient. One test is performed for estimation of the creatine kinase level, and the second is for DNA studies. If the muscle fibers are deteriorating, then the enzyme creatine kinase will be released more often. An elevated level of creatine kinase is a sign of multiple forms of MD such as: Duchenne, Limb Girdle, Emery-Dreifuss, and faciosculohumeral dystrophy. The DNA test is usually used to notify the examiner if any mutated gene is present or any gene is absent. This can lead to an impartially accurate diagnosis with Duchenne and Becker dystrophy due to the specific mutated gene being known. While muscles are being used they can produce minor quantities of electricity. An EMG can detect these amounts of electricity generated by muscles and project them visually on a screen so the medical professional can visually see. This tool is an essential in helping diagnose neuromuscular disorders. What is displayed on the screen while the muscle is being used is called “action potential.” A patient with MD will have a relatively lower action potential than people with normal muscle integrity. One thing to remember is that either a person with a MD as well as a person that does not have it has no action potential while the muscle is not