Laboratory: Clinical Immunology
Test Name:
BULLOUS DERMATOSES - (S)
Test Code: ABD
Clinical Information:
Testing is performed at St. Boniface Hospital Immunology Lab using an indirect Immunofluorescence assay (IFA).  Serum samples are initially screened at a 1:10 dilution.
 
This test provides semiquantitative in vitro determination of human antibodies of immunoglobulin classes IgG in patient samples to support the diagnosis of autoimmune bullous dermatoses.
Collection Devices:
Specimen Required:
Blood: 5.0 mL


Serum: 1.0 mL
Referral:
Serum: 1.0 mL

Separate serum and ship refrigerated, or frozen if greater than 7 days from time of collection.
Requisition:
Reference Values:
ABD:  <1:10 Titre (Negative)
 
A negative result does not necessarily exclude autoimmune disease.  Positive results should not be interpreted in isolation and must be correlated with relevant clinical findings.
Availability:
Weekdays
Laboratory Hours of Operation: Mon-Fri, 0800-1615, excluding holidays. ADB TAT: within 10 days
See Also:
More Information:
Pemphigus, Pemphigoid and Salt Split Skin antibodies are reported on all samples.
Positive Pemphigus results will include a Titre and Desmoglein 1 & 3 antibodies.
Positive Pemphigoid results will include BP180 and BP230 antibodies.

Antibodies to blood group antigens mimic pemphigus staining patterns and are removed during a neutralization procedure.
 
Antibodies to basement membrane antigens occur in about 70% of active bullous pemphigoid, 50% of EBA and 10-20% of mucus membrane pemphigoid patients.