Intercellular Substance Antibody IgG Panel, Serum
This panel measures IgG antibodies directed against intercellular substance (desmosomal) antigens in the skin, most commonly to help evaluate blistering skin conditions such as pemphigus.
["The test looks for a specific type of IgG antibody that can attack the \"glue\" holding skin cells together."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 104835-4
- Short code
- Intercellular sub & bmt IgG pnl
- Synonyms
- Intercellular sub & bmt IgG pnl
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- CPT
- 82784
- Specimen volume
- 5 mL
- Stability
- Room temperature: 4h, Refrigerated: 24h, Frozen: 7d
- Hemolysis max
- 500
- Lipemia max
- 1000
- Icterus max
- 500
- TAT
- 4–24 hours
- Order
- routine
What This Test Measures
The panel detects and, where reported, quantitates IgG antibodies that target intercellular substance—proteins found at the junctions between skin cells. These antibodies are associated with a group of blistering disorders in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the skin.
Why Your Clinician May Order It
It is typically ordered when a person has unexplained blisters, erosions, or fragile skin, especially when a condition such as pemphigus is suspected. Results are interpreted together with your symptoms, physical exam, and sometimes a skin biopsy.
How the Sample Is Collected
A blood sample is drawn from a vein, usually in your arm. The serum is separated and tested for these antibodies. Your clinician will tell you if any special preparation is needed.
How to Understand Your Results
Results are usually reported as detected or not detected, and sometimes as a level (titer). A positive result supports—but does not by itself confirm—a diagnosis, and a negative result does not always rule one out. Your clinician will explain what your result means in your situation.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
IgG antibodies to intercellular substance are classically linked to pemphigus vulgaris and related pemphigus disorders, where they contribute to loss of adhesion between skin cells and blister formation. Because test performance and reporting vary between laboratories, results must always be interpreted alongside clinical findings and other tests rather than in isolation.
Short name
Anti-ICS IgG Panel
Frequently asked questions
Does a positive result mean I definitely have a blistering skin disease?
Can this test be negative even if I have pemphigus?
Will I need repeat testing?
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 16, 2026. · Read our editorial policy