Anti Ovarian antibodies
Immunology and Allergy Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
Autoantibodies to ovarian tissue are mainly restricted to the theca cells. These are steroid producing cells and it has been demonstrated that the molecular target is the enzyme 17α-hydroxylase (17α-OH). Antibodies to 17α-OH are found in patients with ovarian failure with autoimmune Addison’s disease (100%) and to a lesser extent in both autoimmune polyendocrine syndromes types 1 and 2 without ovarian failure. The incidence is reportedly very low in other autoimmune disorders such type1 diabetes and thyroid disease. The assay is an indirect immunofluorescence type using monkey ovary as a substrate.
Sample Requirements
2 ml freshly separated serum
Storage and Transport
Serum stored at 4°C should be sent by first class post
Turnaround Time
10 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
