Turnaround times
The quoted turnaround time is from sample receipt in the laboratory, to results authorisation in the Laboratory Information Management system. The times do not include transport of specimen to the laboratory or the administrative process to print and post/email reports. Service users must allow for transport and reporting time when ordering tests.
Clinical background:
Epidermal antibodies are used in the diagnosis of blistering skin diseases. Antibodies to basement membrane of skin are positive in bullous pemphigoid (Pemphigoid Antibodies). Antibodies to intercellular matrix of the epidermis are associated with pemphigus vulgaris (Pemphigus Antibodies).
Specimen container paediatric:
Serum-Plain tube
Specimen container adult:
Serum-SST
Minimum volume paediatric:
1 ml
Minimum volume adult:
1 ml
Special requirements:
None
Availability:
Epidermal antibodies are tested on a fortnightly basis.
Freq analysis:
Fortnightly
Add on test:
All urgent add ons via telephone on 0191 2821890, and must be confirmed via email to[email protected]
Quality assurance:
UK NEQAS for BULLOUS DERMATOSIS
Interpretation:
Additional information may be gained from direct immunofluorescence studies on skin biopsies (performed in the department of histopathology).
Reference ranges:
Pemphigoid Antibody Normal Range: NegativePemphigus Antibody Normal Range: Negative
Other info:
Reported as Negative or a titration value for Positive samples.