Test Code #

019

CPT Code(s) #

88346

Test Name

Pemphigoid Gestationis (HG) Factor

If Profile, Includes Tests:

N/A

Disease Name:

Pemphigoid Gestationis, Herpes Gestationis

Type of Study:

Serum Studies

Methodology:

Indirect Immunofluorescence

Substrate:

Primate Esophagus

Reference Range:

Negative: <1:10

Units:

Titer

Schedule:

Assay performed daily Monday-Friday. Report availability is within 48 hours from the time of specimen receipt

Specimen Requirements:

Collect 5-10 ml of blood in a red top or serum separator tube. If possible, separate serum from clot and place into red capped tube provided with Beutner Laboratories collection kits. If separation facilities are not available, the blood can be sent in the tube used for collection.

Sample Stability:

Stable at ambient temperature during shipment. If sample is stored prior to shipment, it is stable refrigerated (2-8ºC) up to five days and frozen (-20ºC or lower) up to one year.

Clinical Relevance:

Pemphigoid gestationis, also known as herpes gestationis, is a rare autoimmune blistering disease associated with pregnancy. Its clinical and immunopathological features are similar to pemphigoid. The autoantibodies in HG bind to the NC16A, non collagenous domain of BPAG2 or BP180. The antibodies can be transmitted from mother to child leading to premature birth, low birth weight, bullous and popular lesions in the newborn and a high stillbirth rate (Di Zengo, 2007). HG factor test detects complement fixing IgG BMZ antibodies in serum of patients with pemphigoid gestationis. ELSIA for BP180 antibodies should also be done.