EPIC CODE: SCL70 Scl 70 Antibodies, IgG, Serum
Reporting Name
Scl 70 Ab, IgG, SUseful For
Evaluating patients with signs and symptoms of scleroderma and other connective tissue diseases in whom the test for antinuclear antibodies is positive
Testing for Scl 70 antibodies are not useful in patients without demonstrable antinuclear antibodies.
Testing Algorithm
For more information see Connective Tissue Disease Cascade.
Performing Laboratory

Specimen Type
SerumSpecimen Required
Container/Tube:
Preferred: Serum gel
Acceptable: Red top
Specimen Volume: 0.5 mL
Specimen Minimum Volume
0.4 mL
Specimen Stability Information
Specimen Type | Temperature | Time | Special Container |
---|---|---|---|
Serum | Refrigerated (preferred) | 21 days | |
Frozen | 21 days |
Special Instructions
Reference Values
<1.0 U (negative)
≥1.0 U (positive)
Reference values apply to all ages.
Day(s) Performed
Monday through Saturday
Test Classification
This test has been cleared, approved, or is exempt by the US Food and Drug Administration and is used per manufacturer's instructions. Performance characteristics were verified by Mayo Clinic in a manner consistent with CLIA requirements.CPT Code Information
86235
LOINC Code Information
Test ID | Test Order Name | Order LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
SCL70 | Scl 70 Ab, IgG, S | 47322-3 |
Result ID | Test Result Name | Result LOINC Value |
---|---|---|
SCL70 | Scl 70 Ab, IgG, S | 47322-3 |
Clinical Information
Scl 70 (topoisomerase 1) is a 100-kD nuclear and nucleolar enzyme. Scl 70 antibodies are considered to be specific for scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) and are found in up to 60% of patients with this connective tissue disease. Scl 70 antibodies are more common in patients with extensive cutaneous involvement and interstitial pulmonary fibrosis, and are considered a poor prognostic sign.(1,2)
For more information see Connective Tissue Disease Cascade.
Interpretation
A positive test result for Scl 70 antibodies is consistent with a diagnosis of scleroderma.
Cautions
No significant cautionary statementsClinical Reference
1. Homburger H, Larsen S: Detection of specific antibodies. In Clinical Immunology: Principles and Practice. First edition. Edited by R Rich, T Fleisher, B Schwartz, et al. St. Louis, Mosby-Year Book, Inc, 1996, pp 2096-2109
2. White B: Systemic sclerosis. In Clinical Immunology Principles and Practice. Second edition. Edited by R Rich, T Fleisher, W Shearer, et al. St. Louis, Mosby-Year Book, 2001, pp 64.1-64.10
Method Description
Recombinant Scl 70 antigen is bound to polystyrene microspheres, which are impregnated with fluorescent dyes to create a unique fluorescent signature. Scl 70 antibodies, if present in diluted serum, bind to the Scl 70 antigen on the microspheres. The microspheres are washed to remove extraneous serum proteins. Phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated antihuman IgG antibody is then added to detect IgG anti-Scl 70 bound to the microspheres. The microspheres are washed to remove unbound conjugate, and bound conjugate is detected by laser photometry. A primary laser reveals the fluorescent signature of each microsphere to distinguish it from microspheres that are labeled with other antigens, and a secondary laser reveals the level of PE fluorescence associated with each microsphere. Results are calculated by comparing median fluorescence response for Scl 70 microspheres to a 4-point calibration curve.(Package insert: Bioplex 2200 ANA Screen. Bio-Rad Laboratories, Hercules, CA 11/2011)
Report Available
1 to 3 daysSpecimen Retention Time
14 daysReject Due To
Gross hemolysis | Reject |
Gross lipemia | Reject |
Gross icterus | OK |
NY State Approved
YesMethod Name
Multiplex Flow Immunoassay