What antibodies are tested for scleroderma?

These are:

• Serum anti-topoisomerase, also known as SCL-70, is specific to diffuse scleroderma (and the test is positive in 20% of people with scleroderma).
• Anticentromere antibody, also known as ACA, is present in people with limited scleroderma (and the test is positive in 20% of people with scleroderma).

What blood tests show scleroderma?

Blood tests: Elevated levels of immune factors, known as antinuclear antibodies, are found in 95% of patients with scleroderma. Although these antibodies are also present in other autoimmune diseases such as lupus, testing for them in potential scleroderma patients is helpful in assisting with an accurate diagnosis.

How do you get tested for scleroderma?

To diagnose scleroderma, a doctor usually begins by asking you about your symptoms, health, and medical history. The doctor will also examine your skin for signs of hardening and thickening. If you have hard, thickened skin, a dermatologist may perform a skin biopsy to help diagnose you.

Does a positive SCL 70 always mean scleroderma?

A positive test result for Scl 70 antibodies is consistent with a diagnosis of scleroderma.

How are autoantibodies used to diagnose scleroderma?

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is associated with several autoantibodies, each of which is useful in the diagnosis of affected patients and in determining their prognosis.

What kind of lab test is positive for scleroderma?

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) – this test is positive with a variety of connective tissue and autoimmune disorders; ANA are present in about 95% of those with scleroderma, typically with a speckled, centromere, or – more rarely – nucleolar pattern test result.

How are anti-centromere antibodies used in scleroderma?

Anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) and anti-Scl-70 antibodies are very useful in distinguishing patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) from healthy controls, from patients with other connective tissue disease, and from unaffected family members.

Can a ANA test tell you if you have scleroderma?

However, because our bodies develop antibodies for other reasons, the results of an ANA test by itself don’t determine a diagnosis of scleroderma. It is important to remember that scleroderma is a clinical diagnosis that takes into account all factors, including the physical examination and all symptoms.