Adrenal cortex antibodies
| Category | Immunology |
|---|---|
| Test background |
Anti-adrenal antibody results are positive in 60-70 % of patients with idiopathic Addison's disease. Antibodies against adrenal cortex are associated with primary adrenal failure in up to 50 % of patients with Addisonian adrenal insufficiency. Positive antibodies can, however, be an incidental finding or predate the development of hypoadrenalism. Anti-adrenal antibodies are also present in 28 % of patients with idiopathic hypothyroidism and 7 % of patients with Hashimoto's disease. Positive antibodies may also be associated with gonadal failure. |
| Clinical Indications |
Raised titres in adrenocortical insufficiency due to an autoimmune disorder (Addison's Disease). |
| Reference range | Negative |
| Sample & container required | RST (rust top) |
| Sample volume | 5-10 mL (1 mL serum) |
| Turnaround time | 14 days |
| Notes | This test is currently unaccredited due to a recent change in platform. |