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Test ID CIFS Cutaneous Immunofluorescence Antibodies (IgG), Serum

Useful For

Confirming a diagnosis of pemphigoid, pemphigus, epidermolysis bullosa acquisita, or bullous lupus erythematosus

 

Monitoring therapeutic response in patients with pemphigus

Method Name

Detection of IgG Anti-Intercellular Substance (ICS) and Anti-Basement Membrane Zone (BMZ) Antibodies by Indirect Immunofluorescence Technique Using Rhesus Monkey Esophagus Substrate and Human NaCl Split-Skin Substrate

Reporting Name

Cutaneous Immfluor. Ab, S (IgG)

Specimen Type

Serum

Container/Tube:

Preferred: Red top

Acceptable: Serum gel

Specimen Volume: 2 mL

Forms: If not ordering electronically, submit a Dermatopathology/Immunodermatology Request Form (Supply T060) with the specimen.

Specimen Minimum Volume

0.5 mL

Specimen Stability Information

Specimen Type Temperature Time
Serum Refrigerated (preferred)
  Ambient 
  Frozen 

Clinical Information

IgG anti-basement zone (BMZ) antibodies are produced by patients with pemphigoid. In most patients with bullous pemphigoid, serum contains IgG anti-BMZ antibodies, while in cicatricial pemphigoid circulating IgG anti-BMZ antibodies are found in a minority of cases. Sensitivity of detection of anti-BMZ antibodies is increased when serum is tested using sodium chloride (NaCl)-split human skin as substrate.

 

Circulating IgG anti-BMZ antibodies are also detected in patients with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA) and bullous eruption of lupus erythematosus.

 

IgG anti-cell surface (CS) antibodies are produced by patients with pemphigus. The titer of anti-CS antibodies generally correlates with disease activity of pemphigus.

 

See Method Description for special information pertaining to Herpes gestationis (pemphigoid) and paraneoplastic pemphigus.

Reference Values

Report includes presence and titer of circulating antibodies. If serum contains BMZ antibodies on split-skin substrate, patterns will be reported as: 1) epidermal pattern, consistent with pemphigoid or 2) dermal pattern, consistent with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.

 

Negative in normal individuals. See Results of IF Testing* in Cutaneous Immunofluorescence Testing in Special Instructions.

Cautions

Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical information, histologic pattern, and results of direct immunofluorescence (IF) study. In particular, the finding of low titer (1:20 or 1:40) anti-CS antibodies should not be used alone (ie, without histologic or direct IF support) to confirm a diagnosis of pemphigus.

Day(s) Performed

Monday through Friday; 7 a.m.-5 p.m.

Report Available

2 days/7 days-Herpes (pemphigoid) gestationis or paraneoplastic pemphigus

Performing Laboratory

Mayo Medical Laboratories in Rochester

Test Classification

This test was developed and its performance characteristics determined by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements. This test has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

CPT Code Information

88346

88350

NY State Approved

Yes