Centromere antibodies – serum

Last updated: Monday, 29, May, 2006

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Item Process
Specimen

5 mL blood in plain tube.

Method

Indirect IF (part of antinuclear antibody test).

Reference Interval

Qualitative test. Positive is significant.

Application

Investigation of systemic rheumatic disease.

Diagnosis of CREST syndrome.

May occasionally be associated with Primary Biliary Cirrhosis.

Interpretation

Moderately specific, present in 90% of patients with CREST syndrome.
See also Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) - serum.

Reference

Spencer-Green G et al. Am J Med 1997; 103(3): 242-248.