- Test Name
- Anti-Cellular Antibodies Panel (Formerly Anti-Nuclear Antibody)
- Aliases
- ACA panel, HEp2-IIFA and Specific Anti-Cellular Antibodies, ANA and ENA, Nuclear antibody
- Provincial Mnemonic
- ACABP
- LOINC Test Code
- Description and Primary Use
- Detection of autoantibodies through the ACA panel is a diagnostic adjunct in patients with suspected connective tissue disease (CTD). In general, the ACA panel testing need only be ordered once and is not indicated unless a CTD is a significant clinical possibility. Negative ACA panel results rarely need to be repeat except when there is a strong suspicion of an evolving CTD or a change in the patient’s illness suggesting revision of diagnosis. Tier 1 of the ACA panel consists of examination of ACA patterns by HEp2-IIFA testing system utilizing an indirect immunofluorescence assay. ACA patterns are used primarily for differential diagnostic screening for connective tissue diseases. Tier 2 of the ACA Panel, Specific ACAs, is only performed when Hep2-IIFA is positive and it consists of a membrane based enzyme immunoassay qualitative testing system utilizes a membrane strip having specific antigens spotted on it to screen for 17 different specific ACAs (see the list below). Specific ACAs testing is an important tool for the differential diagnosis of connective tissue disease. List of Specific ACAs: dsDNA, Nucleosomes, Histones, SmD1, PCNA, Rib-P0, SS-A/Ro60kD, SS-A/Ro52kD, SS-B/La, CENP-B, Scl-70, U1-snRNP, AMA M2, Jo-1, Pm-Scl, Mi-2 and Ku.
- Reorder interval
- 180 Days
- TAT
- 7 Days; Max delay 21 Days
- Test Cost
- Not Available
- Tier
- 1 - General Availability
- Ordering Requirements (Restrictions / Conditions)
No Restrictions
- Required Consultations
- None
- Algorithms and Guidelines
- Special Patient Preparation
None
- Special Collection / Transport / Processing Requirements
No special requirement
- Criteria for Rejection
Please consult specimen stability guide
- Laboratory Service Area
- Clinical Chemistry
- Performing Laboratory / Site
- Category 4 (HSC only)
- Last Updated
- 26-Aug-19