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HelpTest Code CIFA Cutaneous Immunofluorescence Antibodies, IgA, Serum
Specimen Required
Collection Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Submission Container/Tube: Plastic vial
Specimen Volume: 2 mL
Collection Instructions: Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Method Name
Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)
Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Minimum Volume
0.5 mL
Specimen Stability Information
| Specimen Type | Temperature | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 14 days |
| Frozen | 30 days | |
| Ambient | 14 days |
Reject Due To
| Gross hemolysis | OK |
| Gross lipemia | Reject |
| Gross icterus | OK |
Clinical Information
Immunoglobulin A anti-basement membrane zone (BMZ) antibodies are produced by patients with pemphigoid. In most patients with bullous pemphigoid, serum contains IgA anti-BMZ antibodies, while in cicatricial pemphigoid circulating IgA 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-split primate skin as substrate.
Circulating IgA anti-BMZ antibodies are also detected in patients with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita and bullous eruption of lupus erythematosus.
IgA anti-cell surface (CS) antibodies are produced by patients with pemphigus. The titer of anti-CS antibodies generally correlates with disease activity of pemphigus.
Reference Values
Report includes presence and titer of circulating antibodies. If serum contains basement membrane zone antibodies on split-skin substrate, patterns will be reported as:
1) Epidermal pattern, consistent with pemphigoid
2) Dermal pattern, consistent with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
Negative in normal individuals
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Friday
Report Available
2 to 7 daysPerforming Laboratory
Mayo Clinic Laboratories in Rochester
CPT Code Information
88346
88350