Test Overview
Test Methodology

Detection of IgG anti-intercellular substance (ICS) and anti-basement membrane zone (BMZ) antibodies by indirect immunofluorescence technique using Rhesus monkey esophagus substrate and human NaCl split-skin substrate.

Test Usage

Confirming a diagnosis of pemphigoid, pemphigus, EBA, or bullous LE. Monitoring therapeutic response in patients with pemphigus.

Reference Range *

Negative in normal individuals. Report includes presence and titer of circulating antibodies. If serum contains anti-basement membrane zone (BMZ) antibodies on split-skin substrate, patterns will be reported as: 1) epidermal pattern, consistent with pemphigoid or 2) dermal pattern, consistent with epidermolysis bullosa acquisita.

* Reference ranges may change over time. Please refer to the original patient report when evaluating results.

Test Limitations

Results should be interpreted in conjunction with clinical information, histologic pattern, and results of direct IF study. In particular, the finding of low titer (1:20 or 1:40) IgG anti-cell surface (CS) antibodies should not be used alone (i.e., without histologic or direct IF support) to confirm a diagnosis of pemphigus.

Test Details
Days Set Up
Monday - Friday
Analytic Time

5 - 7 days

Soft Order Code
CIFS
MiChart Code
Cutaneous Immunofluorescence Antibodies, Serum (Sendout)
Synonyms
  • SKAB
  • Skin Antibodies (Pemphigus and Pemphigoid), Serum
  • Paraneoplastic pemphigus
  • Pemphigus vulgaris
  • Epidermal Antibodies
  • Bullous lupus erythematosus
  • Linear IgA disease
  • Cicatricial pemphigoid
  • Herpes gestationis
  • Epidermolysis bullosa acquisita
  • Bullous pemphigoid
  • Pemphigus
Laboratory
Sendout
Reference Laboratory
Mayo CIFS (8052)
Section
Special Testing
Specimen Requirements
Collection Instructions

Collect blood in a red top or SST tube. Centrifuge, aliquot serum into a plastic vial, and refrigerate. Include patient history on requisition. Indicate possible diagnosis on requisition: Pemphigus, Bullous Pemphigoid, Cicatricial Pemphigoid, Epidermolysis Bullosa Acquisita, Herpes gestationis, Linear IgA Disease, or Other.

Normal Volume
2 mL serum
Minimum Volume
0.5 mL serum
Additional Information

Test sent to Mayo Medical Laboratories.

Billing
CPT Code
88346, 88350
Fee Code
AA435, AA436