Anti Skin antibodies
Immunology and Allergy Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
The identification of autoantibodies in the immunobullous disorders by indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) plays a major part in the diagnosis of these disorders.
Pemphigus has several variants whose autoantibodies target in particular members of the cadherin superfamily desmoglein 1 and desmoglein 3. The pattern seen in IIF is that of intercellular staining within stratified squamous epithelium (this does not differentiate between desmogleins 1 and 3, antigen specific assays are required for such differentiation). Approximately 90% of pemphigus vulgaris patients have autoantibody detectable by IIF.
Some 70% of bullous pemphigoid patients have circulating autoantibodies to a hemidesmosomal component, BP 230 (BPAG1) and a collagen XVII domain known as BP180 (BPAG2). In IIF the pattern is seen as staining at the dermo-epidermal junction (basement membrane zone).
Other immunobullous disorders can be usefully investigated with IIF. Please contact as below for further advice.
It is strongly advised that biopsy examination by direct immunofluorescence and light microscopy be undertake as part of the investigation of the above disorders.
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
Dr Ted Davies, Consultant Clinical Scientist
T 020 3299 9000 Ex 8752
John Cazabon or Rosemary Ebling, Lead Biomedical Scientists
T 020 3299 1559
