Anti Centromere antibodies
Immunology and Allergy Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
Anti-centromere antibody (ACA) is particularly associated with the CREST variant of scleroderma. It is however, not an exclusive association as this autoantibody has been detected in other rheumatological disorders including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). There is no evidence that those patients with SLE who are ACA positive form a distinct clinical subgroup1. This investigation is currently performed by indirect immunofluorescence using a HEp 2010 cell line. This cell line has the advantage of having larger nuclei than the conventional HEp 2 substrate and hence provides greater nuclear detail.
Sample Requirements
2 ml freshly separated serum
Storage and Transport
Serum stored at 4°C should be sent by first class post
Turnaround Time
6 working days
Time Limit for Extra Tests
Five days
Factors affecting results or interpretation
All tests are compromised by prolonged transit times. For this reason, date of bleed and date of postage must be provided with each request.
Price
Price available on application - please contact adrianturner1@nhs.net. Discounts could be available for significant workloads.
Contacts
John Cazabon or Rosemary Ebling, Lead Biomedical Scientists
T 020 3299 1559
Dr Ted Davies Consultant Clinical Scientist
T 020 3299 9000 Ex 8752
References
Reference: 1Anti-centromere antibodies in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus.
Respaldiza et al. Scand J Rheumatol. 2006 Jul-Aug;35(4):290-4.
