Antibody to Centromere Proteins (Screening)
This test checks for antibodies against centromere proteins, which may indicate a rare autoimmune condition called limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (also called scleroderma).
["This screening helps identify possible autoimmune disorders affecting skin and connective tissues."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16137-2
- Short code
- CENAB
- Synonyms
- Centromere Ab Ser Ql
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST, gold-top) or red-top tube with clot activator
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) or Multiplex Bead-Based Immunoassay; confirmed by Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) on HEp-2 cells
- CPT
- 86235
- SNOMED
- 313935002
- Specimen volume
- 1-2 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Serum stable for 7 days at 2-8°C; for extended storage, freeze at -20°C or below for up to 6 months. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 100
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 50
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test Measuring?
The test detects the presence of antibodies specific to centromere proteins in your blood. Centromere proteins are proteins found in the center of chromosomes that help chromosomes move during cell division. Autoimmune diseases like limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis can cause your immune system to mistakenly attack these proteins.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this screening if you have symptoms like skin thickening, Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingertip color changes due to poor circulation), or joint pain. It’s also sometimes used in patients with unexplained skin rashes or other connective tissue disorders.
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive result suggests a higher likelihood of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis or other centromere antibody-related autoimmune conditions. However, further testing and clinical evaluation are needed to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment.
What Happens Next?
If your test is positive, your doctor may order additional tests, such as a confirmatory antibody test (e.g., centromere antibody confirmation) or other blood tests to assess your overall health and symptoms.
Reference range
Negative: <1:40 (IFA) or <20 U/mL (ELISA, kit-dependent). Positive results indicate presence of anti-centromere antibodies.N/A
No special patient preparation required. Fasting is not necessary. Specimen collection may be performed at any time of day.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Centromere Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What Are Common Symptoms of This Condition?
How Is This Test Different from Other Autoimmune Tests?
Can This Test Be Done at Home?
Sources
- 1
- 2Lab Tests OnlineSource
- 3
Click any link to access the full source. PubMed Central (PMC) links provide free full-text access.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 15, 2026. · Read our editorial policy