Centromere B Antibody Blood Test
A centromere B antibody blood test is useful in the evaluation of patients with the form of scleroderma known as CREST.
Description
The centromere is an autoantibody that will falsely attack the body's tissues. This test will distinguish the amount of anticentromere antibody to help aid in the diagnosis of a form of scleroderma. Scleroderma is a collection of rare connective tissue disorders. CREST syndrome is one form and includes the following:
- Calcinosis - this includes calcium deposits underneath the skin
- Raynaud phenomenon - this is episodes of decreased blood flow to the fingers and toes, as a result, they will turn white and blue
- Esophageal dysfunction - one will experience difficulty in swallowing, acid reflux, and heartburn
- Sclerodactyly - hands and fingers will have tight, thick, shiny skin
- Telangiectasia - due to swollen capillaries, the skin will have red spots
