Alternative name
Pancreatic Islet Cell Antibody
Description
The first autoantibodies shown to be associated with insuli dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM). They react with the whole islets not just insulin producing cells. Reportedly present in 90% of patients with IDDM at presentation, they are detected in a much lower proportion since the antibodies often disappear soon after (but sometimes before) diagnosis. There is an increased prevalence in relatives of patients with IDDM.
Indication
Diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.
Interpretation
Anti-islet cell antibodies are present in 90% of patients with Type I insulin-dependant/juvenile diabetes particularly around the time of diagnosis. They tend to disappear later unless there is multi-endocrine disorder. They are also found less commonly in non-diabetic relatives. They can serve as early markers to identify anti-islet cell autoimmunity before the onset of clinical symptoms.
Sample
Serum Separator Tube (SST)
Assay details
Indirect immunfluorescence primate tissue
Restrictions
Referred test
Reference range
Negative/positive
Assay range notes
Positive samples Titre 1:40-1:320
Turnaround time
28 days
Analysing laboratory
North of Cumbria