Pancreatic Exocrine Cell Antibody

Test Code

16143X

CPT Codes
86255

Preferred Specimen

0.5 mL serum

Minimum Volume

0.3 mL

Transport Temperature

Room temperature

Specimen Stability

Room temperature: 7 days
Refrigerated: 14 days
Frozen: 30 days

Methodology
Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA)

FDA Status
This test was developed and its analytical performance characteristics have been determined by Quest Diagnostics. It has not been cleared or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. This assay has been validated pursuant to the CLIA regulations and is used for clinical purposes.

Setup Schedule

A.M. Sets up 1 day a week.

Clinical Significance

Antibodies to pancreatic exocrine cells (ExPA) have been suggested as a very specific Crohn's Disease (CD) serological marker. Clinical studies reported a prevalence of 30-50% in CD patients. In spite of the relatively low sensitivity, ExPA can detect a subpopulation of CD patients that are negative for other CD markers (ASCA IgG, ASCA IgA), thus being very useful in combination with other IBD tests.

The CPT Codes provided in this document are based on AMA guidelines and are for informational purposes only. CPT coding is the sole responsibility of the billing party. Please direct any questions regarding coding to the payor being billed. Any Profile/panel component may be ordered separately. Reflex tests are performed at an additional charge.