Pathology
Immunology Laboratory

Immunology Laboratory

The Division of Pathology at Cincinnati Children’s performs testing for the detection of autoantibodies that have the potential to cause a broad spectrum of systemic autoimmune disorders. The presence of anti-nuclear and anti-cytoplasmic antibodies can be indicative of systemic autoimmune diseases and can be used in conjunction with other clinical findings to aid in diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, hepatitis, and other mixed connective tissue diseases. Autoantibody testing is performed using the gold standard methodology of Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) and ELISA. Our technologists are highly trained in order to provide the most accurate interpretation of the various patterns that may be present. Positive results for IFA tests provide the clinician with a pattern, as well as a titer to show relative strength of the antibody.

The Pathology Laboratory performs the following autoantibody tests:

  • Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA), with reflex testing to Extractable Nuclear Antibody (ENA) and Anti-double-stranded DNA Antibody (dsDNA AB) in the case of a positive ANA result
  • Anti-double-stranded DNA Antibody (dsDNA AB)
  • Extractable Nuclear Antigen (ENA) which include SSa, SSb, RNP, Sm, and Jo-1
  • Autoantibody Screen which includes the following nuclear and cytoplasmic antibodies: Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA), Anti-Liver / Kidney Microsomal Antibody (ALKMA), Anti-Mitochondrial Antibody (AMA), Anti-Parietal Cell Antibody (APCA), and Anti-Smooth Muscle Antibody (ASMA)

Lab Hours and Turnaround Times

Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA), Anti-double-stranded DNA Antibody (dsDNA AB) and Extractable Nuclear Antibody (ENA) testing is performed on Tuesday and Thursday on first shift. The Autoantibody Screen (including cytoplasmic antibodies) is performed Thursday on first shift. For testing outside of this schedule, call the lab at 513-636-9820. TAT: one - seven days

Collection Requirements

  • The only acceptable sample for this assay is serum collected in a gold top (SST) tube.
  • Requested volume: 1mL

Immunology Tests Available

Search for different tests available through the Department of Pathology Immunology Laboratory. Read more

Location

The Pathology Immunology testing laboratory, part of the Division of Pathology, is located on the main campus of Cincinnati Children’s, in Location R, Room R2.001

Contact Us

For more information about the Laboratory, call 513-636-9820 or email pathology@cchmc.org. You may also reach us by fax, 513-517-7099.

Shipping Address

Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center
Attn: Molecular and Genomic Pathology Services (MGPS)
240 Albert Sabin Way, R2.001
Cincinnati, OH 45229