Special Precautions/Comments:

Method: Indirect immunofluorescence (IIF). Calibration: N/A. EQA Scheme: UK NEQAS Scheme for Nuclear Antibodies. IQC: Commercial preparation

Interferences: None Known

Interpretation: Test results are an aid to diagnosis and should not be considered as being diagnostic in themselves. Hence the test results should be used in conjunction with the patient’s clinical symptoms, clinical history and any other available test results. The diagnosis of conditions other than CREST may be determined by testing for autoantibodies such as anti-mitochondrial antibodies in PBC and ENA types for Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma and SLE

Additional Information:

Indication: Scleroderma, CREST, Raynaud’s, PBC.

Indication: Scleroderma, CREST, Raynaud’s, PBC.

Background Information: Anti-centromere antibody is a marker for the CREST variant of scleroderma. Positive centromere antibodies are also found in primary biliary cirrhosis, of which half may have features of scleroderma (progressive systematic sclerosis) and in other conditions such as primary Raynaud’s. Up to five different centromeric antigens, CENP A-E have been recognised

References:Koenig M, Diede M, Senecal JL. Predictive value of antinuclear autoantibodies:the lessons of the systemic sclerosis autoantibodies. Autoimmunity reviews. 2008. 7: 588-593. Muro Y. Antinuclear antibodies. Autoimmunity. 2005. 38(1): 3-9. Gonzalez-Buitrago JM, Gonzalez C, Hernando M et al. Antibodies to centromere antigens measured by an automated enzyme immunoassay. Clinica Chimica Acta. 2003. 135-138. Kavanagh A, Tomar R, Reveille J et al. Guidelines for clinical use of antinuclear antibody test and tests for specific autoantibodies to nuclear antigens. American College of Pathologists. Arch Pathol Lab Med. 2000. 124(1): 71-81. Powell F C et al.The centromere antibody in patients with progressive systemic sclerosis. Arthritis Rheum. 1984. 27:125-131

See Also: Anti nuclear antibodies.

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