Test Details
Methodology
Enzyme Immunoassay (EIA)
Result Turnaround Time
5 days
Turnaround time is defined as the usual number of days from the date of pickup of a specimen for testing to when the result is released to the ordering provider. In some cases, additional time should be allowed for additional confirmatory or additional reflex tests. Testing schedules may vary.
Use
This test is a preferred screening test for patients suspected to have an autoimmune blistering disorder of the skin or mucous membranes (pemphigus). This test aids in the diagnosis of pemphigus. The antibody levels can be used to monitor the effectiveness of drug treatment.
Pemphigus diseases involve an autoimmune response primarily targeting desmoglein (Dsg) 1 and 3, which are cadherin-type transmembrane adhesion molecules. These desmogleins, in conjunction with desmocollins, play a crucial role in maintaining the cohesion between epidermal keratinocytes and are connected internally to the intermediate filament network through various plakins.
Pemphigus foliaceus (PF) is characterized by IgG autoantibodies against Dsg1, resulting in blistering limited to the upper skin, with no evident involvement of mucous membranes. On the other hand, pemphigus vulgaris (PV) primarily targets Dsg3 as the major autoantigen, but approximately 50% to 60% of patients also develop additional autoantibodies against Dsg1, leading to significant mucous membrane involvement.
Specimen Requirements
Specimen
Serum
Volume
2 mL
Minimum Volume
1 mL (Note: This volume does not allow for repeat testing.)
Container
Gel-barrier tube, red-top tube or serum transfer tube
Collection Instructions
Serum samples may be stored for up to eight hours at room temperature before freezing at -20°C. Samples should not be repeatedly frozen and thawed.
Stability Requirements
Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
Room temperature | Unstable (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Refrigerated | Unstable (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Frozen | 14 days (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Freeze/thaw cycles | Stable x3 (stability provided by manufacturer or literature reference) |
Storage Instructions
Frozen at -20°C
Causes for Rejection
Bacterial contamination, hemolysis, lipemia
LOINC® Map
| Order Code | Order Code Name | Order Loinc | Result Code | Result Code Name | UofM | Result LOINC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 164122 | Des 1 and Des 3 IgG | 81201-6 | 164123 | Desmoglein 1 IgG | RU/mL | 94336-5 |
| 164122 | Des 1 and Des 3 IgG | 81201-6 | 164124 | Desmoglein 3 IgG | RU/mL | 94337-3 |
| Order Code | 164122 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Des 1 and Des 3 IgG | |||||
| Order Loinc | 81201-6 | |||||
| Result Code | 164123 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Desmoglein 1 IgG | |||||
| UofM | RU/mL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 94336-5 | |||||
| Order Code | 164122 | |||||
| Order Code Name | Des 1 and Des 3 IgG | |||||
| Order Loinc | 81201-6 | |||||
| Result Code | 164124 | |||||
| Result Code Name | Desmoglein 3 IgG | |||||
| UofM | RU/mL | |||||
| Result LOINC | 94337-3 |