Pancreatic Islet Cell Antibody (Serum) - Immunoassay
This test measures antibodies that may indicate an autoimmune response targeting the cells in your pancreas, which could be linked to conditions like type 1 diabetes.
["This test helps assess potential autoimmune damage to pancreatic islet cells, sometimes used in diagnosing or monitoring autoimmune diabetes-related disorders."]
Key facts at a glance
- LOINC
- 45171-6
- Short code
- Panc Islet Cell Ab Ser IF-aCnc
- Synonyms
- Panc Islet Cell Ab Ser IF-aCnc
- Category
- chemistry
- Sample
- serum
- Container
- Red-top tube (SST)
- Units
- N/A
- Critical range
- 0.5 N/A – —
- Fasting
- false
- Population
- adult
- Sex
- all
- Age range
- 18–65 years
- Method
- if
- 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
Why This Test Might Be Ordered
Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms of diabetes, such as frequent urination, extreme thirst, unexplained weight loss, or fatigue. It may also be used in people with a family history of type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune conditions. Sometimes, it’s part of a broader evaluation for unexplained symptoms or suspected autoimmune disorders.
What to Expect Before the Test
No special preparation is needed for this blood test. You may have a small needle inserted into your arm to draw blood, which usually takes a few minutes. If you’re on blood thinners or have a history of bleeding issues, let your provider know beforehand.
What Happens During the Test
The test involves drawing a small amount of blood from a vein in your arm. The blood sample is then sent to a lab for analysis using an immunoassay method to detect specific antibodies. The results help determine if there’s an immune response targeting pancreatic cells.
What the Results Mean
Positive results suggest the presence of antibodies that may indicate an autoimmune process affecting the pancreas. While this doesn’t confirm diabetes alone, it can support a diagnosis of autoimmune-related conditions like type 1 diabetes or other autoimmune pancreatic disorders. Your provider will discuss these findings in detail with you.
Clinical interpretation
How abnormal results are interpreted and what conditions they suggest.
This test plays a key role in diagnosing autoimmune diabetes and other pancreatic autoimmune conditions. Elevated antibody levels can help confirm a diagnosis, guide treatment decisions, and monitor disease progression. It’s particularly useful in cases where traditional diabetes markers like glucose levels are less definitive or when symptoms are atypical.
Short name
Islet Cell Antibody (Serum)
Frequently asked questions
What does a positive result mean?
Can this test be used to diagnose diabetes?
How often should I get 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 17, 2026. · Read our editorial policy