Anti-Centromere Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
About Anti-Centromere Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Centromere Antibody Test, Anti-Kinetochore Antibodies Test, ACA Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | No fasting required |
| Report Time | 4 days |
| Recommended For | All genders and ages; primarily adults with suspected autoimmune disease |
| Price | Starting at ₹1000 |
What Is an Anti-Centromere Antibody Test?
The anti-centromere antibody test is a blood test that checks for the presence of specific antibodies produced by the immune system against centromere proteins. Centromeres are structures found at the centre of chromosomes that play a role in cell division. Doctors typically order it when a patient shows signs of an autoimmune condition such as scleroderma or CREST syndrome. This test is also known as the centromere antibody test, anti-kinetochore antibodies test, or ACA test.
What Does an Anti-Centromere Antibody Test Measure?
The ACA test detects antibodies that target the centromere-kinetochore protein complex in the body's cells. Here is why it matters:
| Component | What It Is | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Anti-centromere antibodies (ACA) | Autoantibodies that bind to centromere proteins | Identified by a characteristic speckled pattern on immunofluorescence, strongly linked to limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis |
Why Is an Anti-Centromere Antibody Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects an autoimmune connective tissue disorder. It helps identify specific antibodies that point to certain conditions.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
A doctor may request this test if a patient presents with one or more of the following symptoms:
- Colour changes, numbness, or tingling in the fingers and toes when exposed to cold (Raynaud's syndrome)
- Tight or hardened skin on the fingers (sclerodactyly)
- Difficulty swallowing or persistent acid reflux (oesophageal dysfunction)
- Calcium deposits under the skin (calcinosis cutis)
- Small red or discoloured spots on the skin (telangiectasia)
- Joint pain or swelling
- Unexplained fatigue alongside skin changes
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The anti-centromere antibody test can support the diagnosis of several autoimmune conditions. These include:
- Limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
- CREST syndrome (calcinosis, Raynaud's phenomenon, oesophageal dysmotility, sclerodactyly, and telangiectasia)
- Primary biliary cholangitis
- Sjögren's syndrome
- Other autoimmune conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed before the ACA test, but a few simple steps can make your visit go smoothly.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required for this test. You can eat and drink normally on the day of your appointment. If your doctor has ordered additional tests alongside this one, check whether any of those require fasting.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
A few simple steps can help ensure a smooth experience:
- Drink plenty of water before your appointment to make the blood draw easier
- Inform the laboratory about all medications, supplements, and herbal remedies you are currently taking
- Wear short sleeves or loose clothing so the phlebotomist can access your arm easily
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what to expect during the sample collection process:
- The phlebotomist starts by cleaning the inside of your arm using an antiseptic wipe to reduce the risk of infection.
- A soft elastic band (tourniquet) is tied around your upper arm to help the veins become more visible and easier to access.
- A small sterile needle is carefully inserted into a vein in your arm or hand to draw the blood sample.
- The collected blood is transferred into a properly labelled tube for identification and testing.
- Once enough blood is collected, the elastic band is removed from your arm.
- Gentle pressure is applied to the puncture site to stop any bleeding, followed by placing a small bandage over the area.
- The blood sample is sent to the laboratory for further analysis.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Several factors may influence the reliability of your anti-kinetochore antibodies test result:
- Recent viral infections or vaccinations, which can temporarily alter autoantibody levels
- Immunosuppressive medicines or steroids, which may reduce detectable antibody levels
- Severe dehydration, which can affect the concentration of proteins in the blood
- Improper sample storage or delays in processing, which may degrade antibody integrity
Understanding Your Anti-Centromere Antibody Test Results
Your results should always be reviewed with your doctor, who will consider them alongside your symptoms, medical history, and any other tests ordered. The table below shows the interpretation of the test results:
| Anti-Centromere Antibody (ACA) | Result Meaning | Clinical Significance |
|---|---|---|
| Negative / Not detected | ACA antibodies are absent (normal result) | May suggest symptoms are due to another condition. Rarely, limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis can occur without ACA. |
| Positive / Detected | ACA antibodies are present (abnormal result) | Strongly associated with CREST syndrome / limited cutaneous systemic sclerosis. Seen in 60–80% of limited systemic sclerosis and up to ~95% of CREST cases. |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Certain circumstances may affect how results are interpreted. A low positive result detected by solid-phase immunoassays may have limited predictive value. In cases where clinical suspicion for systemic sclerosis is high, confirmation using HEp-2 substrate by immunofluorescence may be helpful.
ACA can sometimes be detected before any outward signs of systemic sclerosis or related conditions appear. Additionally, in patients with primary biliary cholangitis, ACA positivity has been linked to faster progression of portal hypertension, so a positive result in this context may carry additional clinical significance.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
While ACA cannot be reduced through lifestyle changes alone, the following habits support general immune and vascular health:
- Eat a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and foods rich in antioxidants
- Avoid smoking, as it may contribute to the worsening of autoimmune conditions
- Keep your hands and feet warm if you experience colour changes or numbness, to help minimise vascular spasms
Lupin Diagnostics Anti-Centromere Antibody Test Price and Home Collection
The anti-centromere antibody test price starts at approximately ₹1000 across major Indian cities, and home sample collection is available through Lupin Diagnostics. The table below shows prices in different cities:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹1000 |
| Bengaluru | ₹1000 |
| Chennai | ₹1000 |
| Hyderabad | ₹1000 |
| Pune | ₹1000 |
| Kolkata | ₹1000 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Follow these steps to book your anti-centromere antibody test:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the anti-centromere antibody test across multiple cities in India. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories by experienced technologists. Once ready, your digital report is shared directly via email or WhatsApp for convenient access.
Frequently Asked Questions
The anti-centromere antibody test is primarily used to help diagnose limited cutaneous scleroderma (a form of systemic sclerosis) and CREST syndrome. It may also help distinguish these conditions from other autoimmune disorders with similar symptoms. Your doctor will use the result alongside your clinical presentation to reach a diagnosis.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as usual before your test. If your doctor has ordered other blood tests at the same time, check with them in case those require fasting.
A positive result means that anti-centromere antibodies were detected in your blood. If you also have symptoms associated with CREST syndrome or limited cutaneous scleroderma, this result may support that diagnosis. Your doctor will review the result in full context before drawing any conclusions.
Yes, it is possible. Around 40% of people with systemic sclerosis test negative for both ACA and anti-Scl-70 antibodies. A negative result does not rule out the diagnosis, and your doctor will consider your symptoms and other investigations before making a clinical assessment.
This test is very safe. As with any blood draw, you may feel a brief pinch when the needle is inserted, and there may be mild swelling or bruising at the collection site afterwards. These effects are minor and resolve on their own within a short time.
Results for the centromere antibody test are typically ready in approximately 4 working days from the time of sample collection. Lupin Diagnostics will share your digital report directly via email or WhatsApp for convenient access.
Anti-Centromere Antibody Test: Booking, Price, and Results
