Centromere Antibody (Serum) - Qualitative
This test checks for antibodies against centromere proteins, often used to help diagnose limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (a form of scleroderma).
["This test helps identify a specific autoimmune condition affecting skin and internal organs."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 109179-2
- Short code
- CENTAB
- Synonyms
- Centromere IgG Msmt Ser
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Serum separator tube (SST), red-top tube, or tiger-top tube; plain serum collection preferred without anticoagulants
- Units
- N/A
- Ref low
- 0
- Ref high
- 1
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- Immunoassay (EIA/ELISA) or Multiplex Bead Assay (e.g., FIDIS system)
- CPT
- 86235
- SNOMED
- 313437006
- Specimen volume
- 1.0 mL serum (minimum 0.5 mL)
- Stability
- Room temperature: 8 hours; Refrigerated (2-8°C): 7 days; Frozen (-20°C or below): 30 days. Avoid repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
- Hemolysis max
- 200
- Lipemia max
- 100
- Icterus max
- 40
- TAT
- 24–72 hours
- Order
- routine
What Is This Test Measuring?
Centromere antibodies are proteins found in the centromere region of chromosomes. This test detects whether your immune system produces antibodies against these proteins, which can indicate an autoimmune response linked to certain connective tissue disorders.
Why Might Your Doctor Order This Test?
Your doctor may recommend this test if you have symptoms like skin tightening, joint stiffness, or Raynaud’s phenomenon (extreme sensitivity to cold), which could suggest limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis or other autoimmune conditions.
How Is the Sample Collected?
A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. The serum portion is separated and sent to the lab for antibody detection using a specialized immunoassay method.
What Do Results Mean?
Positive results (detecting centromere antibodies) strongly suggest limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Negative results do not rule out other autoimmune conditions, so further evaluation may be needed.
Reference range
Negative: <1.0 AI (Antibody Index) or <10 U/mL; Positive: ≥1.0 AI or ≥10 U/mL (varies by manufacturer). Reference ranges are laboratory and assay-dependent; interpret in clinical context.N/A
No fasting required. Specimen collection may be performed at any time of day. Avoid recent immunosuppressant therapy if monitoring known disease, as this may affect antibody titers.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
◆Associated findings1
Short name
Centromere Antibody (Qualitative)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean for my health?
How often should I get this test if I have symptoms?
Can I take anything special before this test?
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