Preferred Sample Type
Suitable Specimen Types
- Serum
Specimen Transport
.Sample Processing in Laboratory
Usual
Sample Preparation
Usual
Turnaround Time
up to 7 daysSample Stability
Stored at 4oC
Pancreatic Islet Cell Antibody
General Information
Some indications: Insulin dependent diabetes diagnosis and screening
Patient Preparation
None
Notes
Islet cell antibodies are antibodies which bind to pancreatic islets in IIF assays and are markers of beta-cell damage and usually aid in the diagnosis of type 1 diabetes (IDDM). Various antibody targets will result in similar staining. In first-degree relatives of patients with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM), the presence of high titre islet cell antibodies (ICA) confers a risk for development of IDDM. Islet cell antibodies are transient and disappear soon after diagnosis (within 6 months often) once the islets have been destroyed. The presence of multiple antibodies associated with diabetes such as glutamic acid decarboxylase 65 antibodies (GAD65) and protein tyrosine phosphatase-like protein (IA2) antibodies, results in a higher positive predictive value for the development of type 1 diabetes . The presence of ICA does not always correspond to GAD65 and/or IA2 antibodies . Individuals with two or more of the autoantibodies have a 68% 5 year risk of developing type 1 diabetes. Those with 3 autoantibodies had a 100% 5 year risk of the disease . Islet cell antibodies along with GAD65, insulin antibodies and IA2 antibodies may be of use when investigating latent autoimmune diabetes of adulthood (LADA). Approximately 10% of patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes have LADA which requires insulin therapy. LADA may be distingushed from type 2 diabetes by the presence of the autoantibodies
Reference Range
Negative
Specifications
-
EQA Status:
No EQA scheme available