Assay

Centromere antibodies

Key Words

Centromere antibodies  (ENAP, ENA profile)

Specimen Collection

Serum (brown)

Turnaround time

10 days

Test indications

Performed as part of an ANA screen and ENA screen and confirmed on HEp-2 cells (if appropriate). A negative ANA screen and/or ENA screen excludes the presence of Centromere antibodies. When performed, centromere results are reported as part of the ENA profile.

These antibodies are characteristic of the CREST syndrome, a variant of systemic sclerosis with limited skin involvement but associated with Calcinosis, Raynaud’s phenomenon oEsphageal immobility, Sclerodactyly and Telangectasia. They are also found in about 10% of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis which often overlaps with systemic sclerosis. They are directed against centromere associated proteins.Patients with severe Raynaud's and other features of scleroderma, especially lung and other organ involvement, should also been screened for Scl-70 which is associated with diffuse systemic sclerosis.

Methodology

Enzyme immunoassay

Interferences

No known methodological interferences

Reference Range

N/A

Analytical error

Contact the Laboratory (x8454)

Reference change value

N/A