Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test For Skin and Internal Organs

The Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test checks for specific antibodies that can indicate a rare autoimmune disorder called limited cutaneous scleroderma or CREST syndrome, which affects the skin and internal organs. It helps diagnose this condition and differentiate it from other health issues.

Anticentromere Antibody Test

Here are the basic details of the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test.

Also Known as	ACA Test, Centromere AB Test
Type	Blood Test
Purpose	Detect Autoimmune Disorders
Sample Type	Blood
Preparation	None
Fasting	Not Required
Gender	All
Age Group	All
Normal Value	Negative
Reporting Time	Within 24 hrs
Cost	1000 - 2000 INR*

*Price range may vary as per location, lab type, and procedure of lab test.

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Means

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test detects specific antibodies in the blood.

It Focuses on anticentromere antibodies associated with certain autoimmune diseases.
Involves a blood sample for analysis.
Typically, no fasting or special preparation is necessary.
Helps diagnose conditions like systemic sclerosis and CREST syndrome.

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Purpose

The purpose of the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test is to:

Detect autoimmune diseases like systemic sclerosis.
Identify specific anticentromere antibodies.
Aid in diagnosing and managing related conditions.
Assess risk and progression of CREST syndrome.
Guide treatment decisions for affected patients.

Anticentromere Antibody ACA Test Price, Normal Range, Result, Purpose, Procedure Meaning and Interpretation - Drlogy Test

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Preparation

Here is the basic preparation for the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test.

Before Test

No special dietary or fasting requirements in most cases.
Inform your healthcare provider about any medications or supplements you are taking, especially anticoagulants or blood thinners.
Share any relevant medical conditions or recent illnesses with your doctor.

During Test

A healthcare professional will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm.
You may experience mild discomfort during the blood draw.

After Test

You can typically resume regular activities right away.
In case of bleeding, swelling, or pain at the blood draw site, contact your healthcare provider.
Await the test results, which your doctor will discuss with you during a follow-up appointment.

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Procedure

Here is the basic Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Procedure.

A healthcare provider collects a blood sample.
Typically, the blood is drawn from a vein in your arm.
The blood sample is sent to a laboratory for analysis.
In the lab, technicians test for the presence of anticentromere antibodies.
Results are reported as positive or negative.
Your doctor will interpret the results and discuss them with you during a follow-up appointment.

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Result

Here are basic Interpreting Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Results:

Positive Result: Indicates the presence of ACA antibodies in your blood.
Negative Result: Suggests the absence of ACA antibodies.
Positive ACA with CREST Symptoms: Likely limited cutaneous scleroderma or CREST syndrome.
Positive ACA with No CREST Symptoms: May indicate other autoimmune conditions.
Negative ACA with CREST Symptoms: Still possible to have limited cutaneous scleroderma without ACA.

Always consult a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis.

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Normal Result

Here is the normal result of the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test.

ACA Test Normal Result	Meaning
Negative	No ACA antibodies detected

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Interpretation

Here is the Interpretation of the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test.

ACA Test Result	Interpretation
Positive	Presence of ACA antibodies; suggestive of scleroderma
Negative	Absence of ACA antibodies; likely another condition

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Positive Results

Here are potential causes of positive results on the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) test.

Potential Causes	Explanation
Systemic Sclerosis (Scleroderma)	ACA is strongly associated with systemic sclerosis, a connective tissue disorder.
Limited Cutaneous Scleroderma	A subtype of scleroderma, where skin involvement is typically limited to the fingers and face.
CREST Syndrome	ACA is often found in CREST syndrome, a variant of scleroderma characterized by Calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, Esophageal dysmotility, Sclerodactyly, and Telangiectasia.
Other Connective Tissue Diseases	ACA may be present in other connective tissue disorders, though it's most commonly associated with systemic sclerosis.
Autoimmune Disorders	ACA can sometimes be found in other autoimmune diseases such as lupus, Sjögren's syndrome, or rheumatoid arthritis.
Idiopathic	In some cases, a positive ACA result may not be associated with a specific disease and may be considered idiopathic.

A positive ACA test result is typically a strong indicator of systemic sclerosis or a related condition, and further clinical evaluation is needed to determine the underlying cause and its implications.

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Negative Results

Here is potential causes of negative results on the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) test.

Potential Causes	Explanation
Absence of Autoimmune Disease	A negative ACA test result may indicate the absence of autoimmune diseases, especially systemic sclerosis and CREST syndrome.
Timing of Testing	Autoantibody levels can fluctuate, and testing may not detect them during early stages or in certain disease phases.
Inaccurate Test	False negatives can occur due to test sensitivity or laboratory errors, leading to an incorrect result.
Other Autoantibodies	Patients may have other specific autoantibodies associated with different autoimmune diseases, leading to negative ACA results.
Non-immune Causes	Some clinical conditions or symptoms may not be related to autoimmune diseases, leading to negative ACA results.
Other Scleroderma Subtypes	While ACA is a marker for limited cutaneous scleroderma and CREST syndrome, other subtypes may not show positive ACA results.

A negative ACA test result suggests the absence of the specific antibodies associated with certain autoimmune diseases. However, a diagnosis should not rely solely on the results of this test, and clinical evaluation is necessary to consider other factors and potential autoimmune conditions.

Specimen Requirements For Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test

Here are the specimen requirements for the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test.

Specimen	Serum
Volume	1 ml
Container	Red-top tube or gel-barrier tube
Collection	Separate serum from cells within one hour of collection. Transfer to a plastic transport tube before shipping.
Storage	Refrigerate or freeze.
Sample Stability	Temperature	Period
	Room temperature	7 days
	Refrigerated	14 days
	Frozen	60 days
	Freeze/thaw cycles	Stable x1
Causes for Rejection	Grossly hemolyzed; bacterial contamination; lipemic specimen; icteric specimen; non-serum specimen types.

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test is Safe?

The Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test is generally safe.

It involves a standard blood draw, which poses minimal risks.
Possible side effects are limited to mild discomfort at the blood draw site and temporary bruising.

When Do You Get Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Results?

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test results are typically available within 24 hrs.
Your healthcare provider will discuss the results with you during a follow-up appointment.

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Limitation

Here is the basic limitation of Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test.

Limited to detecting anticentromere antibodies.
Results alone may not provide a complete diagnosis.
Clinical context and other tests may be necessary for interpretation.

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Risk Factors

Here are some of the risk factors of the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test.

The minimal risk associated with the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test.
A routine blood draw, is generally safe.
Rare instances of temporary bruising or infection at the blood draw site.

Doctor Recommendations After Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Result

Here are the Doctor's recommendations or consult a specialist after the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test.

ACA Test Results	Doctor to Visit	Reason to See Doctor
Positive	Rheumatologist	Evaluate for systemic sclerosis.
Negative	Primary Care	Routine follow-up or other concerns.

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Price

Here are the estimated Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test Prices in India with different top cities:

City	Price Range (INR)*
Mumbai	1000-2000
New Delhi	1200-2000
Bangalore	1000-2000
Hyderabad	1200-2000
Kolkata	1000-2000
Pune	1200-2000
Lucknow	1000-2000
Noida	1200-2000
Surat	1200-2000
Gurugram	1000-2000
Patna	1200-2000
Chennai	1000-2000
Jaipur	1200-2000
Ahmedabad	1000-2000

*Prices are approximate and vary depending on a specific laboratory or healthcare facility.

Summary

Overall, Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test is a safe blood test, is essential for diagnosing autoimmune diseases, particularly in conditions like systemic sclerosis and CREST syndrome. Also check Drlogy Test for detailed information about all medical tests for patients, doctors, scholers and medical students.

Reference

Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test - Wikipedia [1].
Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) Test - NIH [2].

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Anticentromere Antibody Test FAQ

What is the Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) test?

The Anticentromere Antibody (ACA) test is a blood test used to detect the presence of specific antibodies in the bloodstream. These antibodies, known as anticentromere antibodies, are associated with certain autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). ACA antibodies target structures within the cell called centromeres. The test helps in the diagnosis and monitoring of autoimmune conditions affecting the skin and internal organs.

Who should consider getting an ACA test?

The ACA test is typically recommended for individuals with symptoms suggestive of autoimmune diseases like systemic sclerosis. It is also used for patients with a family history of such conditions or those at higher risk. Rheumatologists, dermatologists, and other healthcare providers may order the test to confirm a diagnosis or monitor disease progression.

How is the ACA test performed?

The ACA test is a simple blood test. A healthcare professional will draw a small sample of your blood, usually from a vein in your arm. The blood is then sent to a laboratory for analysis. Results are typically available within a few days to a week, and your healthcare provider will discuss the findings with you.

What do positive ACA test results indicate?

A positive ACA test suggests the presence of anticentromere antibodies in your blood, which can be indicative of autoimmune diseases, primarily limited systemic sclerosis. Further clinical evaluation and additional tests may be required to confirm the diagnosis and assess the extent of organ involvement. Early intervention and management are essential for improving outcomes.