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Interpretive Handbook

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Test 110006:
Centromere Antibodies, Serum

Clinical Information Discusses physiology, pathophysiology, and general clinical aspects, as they relate to a laboratory test

Antinuclear antibodies are seen in a number of autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, and progressive systemic sclerosis.

 

One autoantibody that produces a distinct staining pattern is the anticentromere antibody (ACA). ACA occurs in patients with the calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal hypomotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia (CREST) syndrome variant of PSS.

Useful For Suggests clinical disorders or settings where the test may be helpful

Evaluation of patients with clinical signs and symptoms compatible with systemic sclerosis

Interpretation Provides information to assist in interpretation of the test results

A positive test for anticentromere antibody (ACA) is strongly associated with calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, esophageal hypomotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia (CREST) syndrome. In various reported clinical studies, ACA occur in 50% to 96% of patients with CREST syndrome.

 

The presence of detectable levels of ACA may antedate the appearance of diagnostic clinical features of CREST syndrome, in some cases by several years.

Cautions Discusses conditions that may cause diagnostic confusion, including improper specimen collection and handling, inappropriate test selection, and interfering substances

Anticentromere antibody have also been described in some patients with primary biliary cirrhosis, and rarely, in patients with rheumatoid arthritis or lupus erythematosus.

Reference Values Describes reference intervals and additional information for interpretation of test results. May include intervals based on age and sex when appropriate. Intervals are Mayo-derived, unless otherwise designated. If an interpretive report is provided, the reference value field will state this.

Negative (titer of <1:40)

Positives will be titered.

Clinical References Provides recommendations for further in-depth reading of a clinical nature

Kallenberg CG: Anti-centromere antibodies (ACA). Clin Rheum 1990;9:136-139