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Medical information Clinical review pending

Autoimmune Testing

Centromere Antibody Test

The Centromere Antibody Test helps diagnose autoimmune disorders, especially systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), by detecting specific antibodies in the blood.

General information only: This page is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. A qualified clinician should decide whether testing is appropriate and interpret results in context.

Review status: No completed medical review is recorded for this page.

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Counselor guidance included Confidential handling Kenya-wide coordination

At a glance

Plan your test

Sample
2 mL serum (1 mL minimum) from one Serum Separator Tube (SST).
Results
Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Preparation
Overnight fasting is recommended before the test. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Test priceKSh 3,159

Payment: M-Pesa and card options can be confirmed during booking.

Insurance & government schemes

Is this test covered for you?

We help you verify whether the Centromere Antibody Test test can be claimed against your insurer, employer scheme or a Kenyan government health scheme — before you book. Coverage depends on your plan, clinical indication and your provider's rules; final approval always rests with them.

Talk to a claims advisor

Providers & schemes we can help you check

Government & public schemes

SHIF — Social Health Insurance Fund Linda Mama EduAfya NHIF (legacy cards)

Eligibility and benefits follow the current rules of the Social Health Authority (SHA) and applicable government programmes.

Private insurers & employer schemes

Jubilee Health AAR APA Britam CIC Madison Resolution Pioneer Minet Old Mutual GA Life Heritage + other licensed insurers

Names shown for identification only — listing does not imply partnership or guarantee of coverage.

Have these ready when we check

  • Insurer or scheme name & policy / member number
  • A clinician's request / prescription for the test
  • Pre-authorisation letter, if your plan requires one

Free coverage check

Ask us to verify your cover

Send your details and our claims team confirms what documents you need and whether pre-authorisation applies — usually the same working day.

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Used only to process your coverage check — see our Privacy Policy. Verification support is free and does not guarantee your provider will pay.

01

Start with fit

Is this the right test for you?

The best test starts with a clear clinical question. These are common reasons a clinician or family may consider this test.

  • ✓Suspected systemic sclerosis (scleroderma)
  • ✓Evaluation of autoimmune symptoms
  • ✓Family history of autoimmune disease
  • ✓Investigation of unexplained pulmonary hypertension
  • ✓Assessment of Raynaud's phenomenon
  • ✓Diagnosis of CREST syndrome
02

In plain language

What this test helps you understand

This test aids in the diagnosis and classification of autoimmune diseases, particularly systemic sclerosis (scleroderma), and can help predict potential disease complications.
The Centromere Antibody Test is a diagnostic tool used to identify specific antibodies in the blood associated with autoimmune disorders, particularly systemic sclerosis (scleroderma). This test is important for the early detection and management of these conditions, helping healthcare providers create effective treatment plans.

This test measures the presence of centromere antibodies (ACA) in your serum. Finding these antibodies can be significant, as they are often present in individuals with limited scleroderma and suggest autoimmune activity.

Consider this test if you are experiencing symptoms like fatigue, skin changes, or joint pain, have a family history of autoimmune diseases, or have unexplained pulmonary hypertension or gastrointestinal issues.
03

Medical review status

Clinical review pending

A completed medical review is not recorded for this page. No clinician has endorsed the information shown here. Please discuss testing decisions with a qualified healthcare professional.

Meet the DNA Labs Kenya medical team →
04

A simple process

What happens next?

You do not have to navigate the test alone. We help you move from question to next step.

1

Speak with us

We check the test and answer your questions before collection.

2

Give your sample

Choose home collection or a coordinated hub visit in Kenya. We explain whether this test uses a cheek swab or blood draw.

3

Understand your report

A counselor helps you understand the result and the next steps.

05

Choose your collection

Home collection or a lab visit

We will explain the sample, preparation, and next steps before anything is collected.

Home collection

Choose a coordinated visit at home or another convenient location. Our team confirms the appointment and sample requirements in advance.

Lab or hub visit

Prefer to visit a coordinated location? We can guide you to the right hub and explain what to expect when you arrive.

Ask about locations →
PreparationOvernight fasting is recommended before the test. Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
Sample2 mL serum (1 mL minimum) from one Serum Separator Tube (SST).
MethodologyImmunofluorescence assay (IFA) or Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA). Confirm with the laboratory before booking.
PrivacyYour sample and report are handled confidentially. Ask the team how your information is stored and shared.
A positive result indicates the presence of centromere antibodies but does not confirm a diagnosis on its own. Further clinical evaluation is necessary. A negative result does not completely rule out an autoimmune disorder.
06

Read your report

What common result terms mean

PositiveA finding was identified. Your clinician or counselor will explain what it means for your care.
NegativeThe specific finding tested for was not identified. It does not rule out every possible cause.
VUSA variant was found, but current evidence is not enough to classify it. Your counselor can explain follow-up.
07

Questions people ask

Frequently asked questions

Systemic sclerosis, also known as scleroderma, is a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by hardening and tightening of the skin and connective tissues.
Centromere antibodies (ACA) are autoantibodies that target proteins found in the centromeres of chromosomes. Their presence is strongly associated with limited systemic sclerosis.
Fasting helps ensure that certain substances in the blood, like lipids, are at baseline levels, which can sometimes interfere with test results.
A positive result means centromere antibodies were detected in your blood. This suggests the possibility of an autoimmune condition like systemic sclerosis, but requires further evaluation by a doctor.
A blood sample is drawn from your arm and sent to the laboratory for processing.
08

Collaboration

Open for partnership with hospitals, clinics, doctors & researchers

Whether you are referring patients, building a research programme or supporting students, we work as an extension of your team — with responsive communication and clear scientific standards.

Hospitals & clinics

Referral pathways, coordinated sample logistics and shared reporting that fits your clinical workflow.

Doctors & specialists

LOINC-coded reports, ACMG-based variant classification and a direct scientific line for complex cases.

Research institutions

Sanger sequencing, NGS panels and custom assays — with project design support, batch pricing and agreed turnaround commitments.

Students & academic projects

Discounted laboratory services for college, master's and PhD research projects — including proposal guidance and cost-effective batch testing.

Explore partnerships
09

Trust & transparency

Sources, standards & how this page is maintained

Standards & references

  • ACMG/AMP technical standards for sequence variant interpretation
  • ClinGen curation and gene–disease validity frameworks where applicable
  • LOINC-coded reporting for interoperable results
  • ISO 9001:2015 quality management; ISO 15189 accreditation in progress

Page provenance

  • Last updated: September 27, 2026
  • Medical review: not yet completed
  • Written for patients & clinicians in Kenya; reviewed periodically against current guidance

Medical disclaimer: this page is general information, not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Testing decisions and result interpretation should be made with a qualified healthcare professional.

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