This test may be vetted by a pathologist.

The clinical information for the test must be clearly written on the request form. If clinical information is not provided, or does not provide sufficient justification for the test, the test may be declined.

Declined tests :

If a test is declined, the specimen will be held for a reasonable period (usually 3 weeks but dependant on the viability of the sample). Medical practitioners seeking approval for a declined test should email the LabPLUS Immunology Team , giving the patient's name and NHI number and the clinical justification for the test. If unable to email, call the on-call Immunologist via Lablink (09-3078995).

Test vetting policy

Anti-Saccharomyces cerevisiae antibody (ASCA) is an antiglycan antibody against the mannan on the cell wall surface of baker's yeast (S. cervisiae). Increase in ASCA IgG levels have been reported in patients with Chron's disease. ASCA antibody testing is most useful in distinguishing Chron's disease from ulcerative colitis when usual diagnostic measures cannot clearly differentiate the two clinical entities. It is not a useful marker for diagnosing inflammatory bowel disease in general.

1) Please state clearly the clinical information on the request form. If clinical information is not provided, or does not provide sufficient justification for the test, the test may be declined.

2) Declined tests: A request may be declined for the following reasons:

• No clinical information was provided on the request form
• ASCA used as a screening tool for IBD for asymptomatic patients.

Not performed at LabPlus. Specimens sent away to Christchurch Hospital for analysis

Specimen Reception

Canterbury Health Laboratories

Christchurch Hospital

Corner of Hagley and Tuams Street

Christchurch