Centromere Antibody (Serum) – Autoantibody Profile (Screen)
This blood test checks for antibodies against centromere proteins, which may indicate a rare autoimmune condition called limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (lcSSc).
["This test helps diagnose or monitor certain autoimmune diseases linked to abnormal antibody activity."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 16570-4
- Short code
- CENTAB
- Synonyms
- Centromere Ab Ser Ql IF
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST) or red-top tube without anticoagulant
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunofluorescence (IF) using HEp-2 cell substrate to detect anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) binding to centromere proteins (CENP-A, CENP-B, CENP-C)
- CPT
- 86255
- SNOMED
- 313414003
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- 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
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 20
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
Centromere antibodies are proteins your immune system mistakenly targets in the body’s cells. This test detects their presence in your serum (liquid part of blood). The method used is an immunoassay, which identifies antibodies by their reaction to specific antigens.
Why It Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms like skin thickening, Raynaud’s phenomenon (fingertip numbness/color changes), or joint pain. It’s also used when other autoimmune conditions are suspected, particularly limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed. You’ll have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood. The process takes about 5 minutes, and you may feel a brief pinch. Avoid heavy meals or alcohol 24 hours before the test if instructed.
What the Results Mean
Positive results suggest a higher likelihood of centromere antibodies, which may support a diagnosis of limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis or other related conditions. Results are qualitative (positive/negative) and not always directly tied to disease severity.
Reference range
Negative: ACA not detected at the recommended screening dilution (typically ≥1:40). Positive: Antibodies detected at titers ≥1:40, with characteristic discrete speckled pattern on HEp-2 cells during mitotic phase showing centromere localization.N/A
No fasting required. No special patient preparation needed. Patients should inform their healthcare provider of any immunosuppressive therapy, as treatment may affect antibody titers.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
Clinical Significance
Short name
Centromere Antibody Screen
Frequently asked questions
What symptoms might this test be used for?
How often should I get this test?
Can I get false positives?
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