Split Skin Antibodies
Immunology
Description
Antibodies that react with structural components of the skin are responsible for blistering autoimmune skin diseases. These antibodies can be categorised into those that react to antigens either in the basement membrane or the desmosome components of skin tissue. Basement membrane antibodies are associated with pemphigoid, causing subepidermal blistering. Through the use of primate salt-split skin substrate, antibodies directed against the epidermal (e.g. BP180, BP230) and dermal (e.g. lamin 5, collagen VII) sides of the basement membrane can be differentiated. Epidermal staining is associated with bullous pemphigoid, whereas dermal staining is associated with the rarer epidermolysis bullosa acquisita [1,2,3].
Indications
Differentiation of autoimmune pemphigoid (basement membrane) skin diseases.
Sample Type
Serum (Gel 5ml Yellow). Requests from outside Sheffield: Transport at ambient temperature via Royal Mail or Courier.
Reference Range
Normal = Negative.
Turnaround Time
Within 10 days
Testing Frequency
As required
References
Gammon WR, Fine JD, Forbes M and Briggaman RA. Immunofluorescence on split skin for the detection and differentiation of basement membrane zone autoantibodies. J Am Acad Dermatol. 1992. 27(1): 79-87. [Ref 1].
Odell ID and Cook D. Immunofluorescence techniques. Journal of Investigative Dermatology. 2013. 133: 1-4. [Ref 2].
Arbache ST, Nogueira TG, Delgado L, Miyamoto D and Aoki V. Immunofluorescence testing in the diagnosis of autoimmune blistering diseases: overview of 10 year experience. An. Bras. Dermatol. 89(6). [Ref 3].
Please note: the above information is subject to change and we endeavour to keep this website up to date wherever necessary.
Your contact for this test

Clare Del-Duca BSc (Hons) Biomedical Science, MSc Pathological Science
Laboratory Manager - Immunology and Protein Reference Unit
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Split Skin Antibodies