Diabetes Autoantibodies (INS, GAD, IA2)
Immunology and Allergy Overview / Directory
Purpose of the test
Anti insulin antibodies
Anti glutamic acid decarboxylase antibodies
Anti IA2 antibodies
The above antibodies are all directed to antigens found in the pancreatic beta cell.
Type 1 diabetes is characterised by the presence of autoantibodies to these beta cell antigens. IA2 is a protein tyrosine phosphatase, also known as islet cell antigen 512 (ICA512). This battery of tests has replaced the indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) pancreatic islet cell antibody (ICA) assay in this laboratory. This approach to investigating type I diabetes autoantibodies removes the subjectivity if IIF and the problems associated with substrate selection.
Sample Requirements
2 ml freshly separated serum
Storage and Transport
Serum stored at minus 20°C soon after separation should be sent by first class post or courier service.
Turnaround Time
Assay is performed monthly
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
