Anti Centromere Antibody
Anti Centromere Antibody
An anti-centromere antibody (ACA) test is used to measure the presence of anti-centromere antibodies in the blood that are produced by the immune system of our body. ACA antibodies are associated with the CREST syndrome (Calcinosis, Raynauds syndrome, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, and Teleangiectasia). This syndrome is a variant of systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). Other than this, it is also used to detect a minority of cases of primary biliary chloangitis (PBC) and Sjogrens syndrome.
Healthcare providers usually order this test to diagnose autoimmune disorder limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
Anti-centromere antibody test is also known as Centromere antibody, ACA, Anti kinetochore antibodies, Antinuclear antibodies, ANA.
What is ACA test used for?
The ACA test is used to determine the presence of autoimmune disorders presenting with the following:
Calcium deposits in skin
Cold, painful, and numb fingers and toes
Esophagus dysfunction
Skin damage on fingers
Spider veins
Test preparation
No special preparation is required before undergoing this test.
Interpretation of the Test Results
Interpretation of results
|
Type |
Gender |
Age group |
Normal value |
|
Anti Centromere Antibody (ACA) |
Unisex |
All age groups |
Normally, ACA antibodies are absent. They are present in the case of autoimmune diseases (for example, CREST). |
Deviations from the normal levels indicate the following:
Positive result: A person who has tested positive for ACA and shows symptoms of CREST is most likely to have limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. ACA is found in about 60–80% of individuals who also have limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. These antibodies can also be present in up to 95% of people with CREST syndrome.
Negative result: A person who has tested negative for ACA could imply that they are showing symptoms due to the presence of another condition. Rarely, such individuals may have limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis and still not produce anti centromere antibodies.
FAQs
What is the turnaround time (TAT) for this test?
This test requires a turnaround time (TAT) of approximately 4 working days from the time of sample collection. Sometimes, it may get extended.
How is the sample collected for the ACA test?
A sample of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm with the help of a fine needle. The entire process is completed within 5 minutes.
What are the risks associated with ACA test?
This test involves negligible risks and is quite safe to perform. Since the test involves the insertion of a needle into a vein in the arm, there might be slight swelling or bruising at the site of injection, which resolves on its own within a few minutes
Does a positive ACA result also indicate the likelihood of other autoimmune disorders?
ACA results can be positive for other autoimmune disorders such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), rheumatoid arthritis, or primary biliary cirrhosis.
Should everyone undergo this test at least once in their lifetime?
This test is not a general screening test and, hence, is not required by most people. It may be indicated in people who show symptoms associated with scleroderma of the CREST syndrome, which is a rare condition
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