Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) in Ahmedabad

Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris): Price, Purpose, Range & Reports

Test Overview

The Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) test is a specialised immunological assay used to detect and measure circulating autoantibodies directed against Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3). Desmoglein 3 is a protein crucial for cell-to-cell adhesion in the skin and mucous membranes. The presence of Anti-Dsg-3 antibodies is highly specific and central to the diagnosis of Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV), a severe, blistering autoimmune disease.

Identifying and quantifying these antibodies is essential for confirming the diagnosis, classifying the disease subtype, and monitoring treatment effectiveness. If you are searching for the Anti-Dsg-3 test price or a reliable lab near me, Apollo 24|7 provides convenient access to accredited specialised testing with secure and timely report delivery.

What is the Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) Test?

The Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) test is a blood test performed on serum to detect and measure autoantibodies targeting the Desmoglein 3 protein. These autoantibodies disrupt the connections between skin cells (keratinocytes), leading to the formation of painful, fragile blisters and erosions on the skin and mucosal surfaces (mouth, genitals).

• Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV): This is the primary condition diagnosed using this test. The disease is characterised by Dsg3 antibodies, which often cause blistering primarily in mucous membranes (mucosal PV) or both the skin and mucous membranes (mucocutaneous PV).
• Dsg3 vs. Dsg1: This test is often run alongside Anti-Dsg-1 (Pemphigus Foliaceus) antibodies, as the combination of Dsg3 and Dsg1 antibodies helps classify the exact subtype of Pemphigus, which influences treatment.
• Titer Correlation: The level (titer) of Anti-Dsg-3 antibodies usually correlates with the severity and activity of Pemphigus Vulgaris disease.

What is the Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) Test Price?

The cost of the Anti-Dsg-3 antibody test reflects its status as a highly specialised, third-generation immunoassay designed to detect specific, rare autoantibodies crucial for dermatological and immunological diagnosis.

Factors Affecting the Test Cost

The final price is influenced by these essential quality and service factors:

• Specialised Assay Technology: The test utilises complex methods such as Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) or Immunoblot, which require specific recombinant Dsg3 antigens and sophisticated equipment.
• Low Testing Volume: As Pemphigus Vulgaris is a rare disease, the testing volume is low, contributing to a higher cost per test compared to routine diagnostics.
• Quality Assurance: The fee covers processing at NABL-accredited Apollo laboratories, ensuring the high sensitivity and specificity required for this specialised autoimmune diagnostic.
• Service Type: Opting for home sample collection may slightly adjust the total cost.
• Location: Prices may differ slightly between cities due to regional operating costs and logistics.

To find the most accurate and current Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) Test price near me, please check the Apollo 24|7 app or website for real-time pricing specific to your location.

What is the Purpose of the Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) Test?

The primary purpose of the Anti-Dsg-3 test is to provide definitive serological evidence to support the diagnosis of Pemphigus Vulgaris.

• Confirmation of Pemphigus Vulgaris (PV): It serves as a highly specific confirmatory test when a patient presents with clinical signs of blistering and tissue biopsy results are suggestive of Pemphigus.
• Disease Monitoring: It is used to monitor disease activity during treatment. Falling antibody titers often indicate that treatment (such as corticosteroids or immunosuppressants) is effective, while rising titers suggest a potential relapse.
• Differentiation from Other Blistering Diseases: Helps distinguish PV from other blistering skin conditions like Bullous Pemphigoid or Epidermolysis Bullosa, which require different treatments.
• Subtype Classification: Along with Anti-Dsg-1, it helps classify the disease as mucosal-dominant or mucocutaneous PV.

Who Should Get the Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) Test Done?

This test is typically ordered by a Dermatologist or Immunologist when Pemphigus Vulgaris is suspected based on clinical presentation.

You may be advised to take this test if:

• You have unexplained, persistent, and painful blisters or erosions, particularly on the mucous membranes (inside the mouth, throat, or genitals).
• You exhibit positive Nikolsky's sign (skin shearing off easily when rubbed), which is characteristic of Pemphigus.
• Your skin biopsy results (histopathology or direct immunofluorescence) suggest Pemphigus, but a definitive autoantibody profile is needed for confirmation.
• You are currently undergoing treatment for Pemphigus Vulgaris, and your doctor needs to monitor the disease activity and the efficacy of immunosuppressive therapy.

There is a suspicion of an overlap syndrome between Pemphigus Vulgaris and Pemphigus Foliaceus.

Components of Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) Test

The Anti-Dsg-3 test focuses on detecting and quantifying the specific pathogenic antibody in the patient's blood (serum).

• Serum Sample: A venous blood sample is collected, and the serum is isolated. The serum contains all the circulating antibodies, including the potential Anti-Dsg-3 autoantibodies.
• Recombinant Desmoglein 3 Antigen: The laboratory assay uses highly purified or recombinant Dsg3 protein as the target antigen to capture the specific autoantibodies present in the patient's serum.
• Enzyme-Linked Detection: An enzyme-linked secondary antibody is used to bind to the captured human Anti-Dsg-3 antibody, allowing the level of the autoantibody (the titer or index value) to be measured colourimetrically or fluorometrically.

Understanding an Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) Report

The Anti-Dsg-3 test delivers a quantitative result, typically reported as a Titer or an Index Value, which measures the concentration of circulating autoantibodies in the blood. For diagnostic interpretation, this numerical result is always compared against a laboratory-defined cutoff value.
This cutoff is the essential threshold that the test kit uses to separate a Negative result from a Positive one. For example, if the lab's reference cutoff is 9.0 units, an index value below 9.0 is considered Negative, and a value above the cutoff is Positive. The precise numerical units, cutoff value, and methodologies (like ELISA or Immunoblot) can vary between accredited laboratories; therefore, the report's reference range must always be consulted. Clinical correlation by a specialist is mandatory for a definitive diagnosis.

Interpretation Note: In Pemphigus Vulgaris, the antibody titer or Index Value is highly significant for monitoring. High values indicate active, potentially severe disease, while a sustained drop in the value following therapy is a strong indicator of successful treatment response and disease remission.

Preparation and Procedure for the Fluorescent Treponemal Antibody (FTA-ABS) Test

The FTA-ABS test requires minimal patient preparation, as the measurement of antibodies is not affected by dietary intake.

How Is the Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) Test Performed?

• A trained phlebotomist collects a small venous blood sample, usually from your arm.
• The blood sample is processed in the laboratory to isolate the serum.
• The serum is then tested against the purified Dsg3 antigen using specialised immunoassay technology (typically ELISA or Immunoblot) to quantify the amount of circulating Anti-Dsg-3 antibodies.

Is Fasting Needed Before the Test?

No, fasting is not required for the Anti-Dsg-3 test. You can eat and drink normally before the blood collection.

Can Medications Affect the Test Results?

Medications used to treat autoimmune diseases, particularly immunosuppressive drugs and high-dose corticosteroids, are designed to lower autoantibody levels. If you are on these treatments, your antibody titer may be suppressed. It is vital to inform your doctor about all medications, but do not stop any prescribed treatment unless instructed by your healthcare provider.

What Is the Best Time of Day to Take the Test?

The test can be performed at any time of day, as antibody levels are stable throughout the day.

How Frequently Is the Test Needed?

The test is initially performed for diagnosis. It is then frequently repeated (e.g., every 3 to 6 months) during treatment to monitor the correlation between antibody levels and disease activity, aiding in the adjustment of medication dosages.

Booking the Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) Test Online & Checking Reports

Apollo 24|7 simplifies the process of scheduling this specialised diagnostic test and accessing your results.

A. What are the Steps to Schedule the Test on Apollo 24|7?

1. Visit the Apollo 24|7 website or mobile application and search for Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) Test.
2. Review the latest test price for your city and click the ‘Book Now’ button.
3. Select your preferred date and a convenient time slot for home sample collection.
4. Complete the secure online payment. You will receive immediate confirmation and preparation details.

B. How Do I Access My Test Results Online on Apollo 24|7?

1. Log in to your Apollo 24|7 account using your registered phone number or email ID.
2. Go to the ‘Health Records’ or ‘My Reports’ section on your dashboard.
3. Click on the test name to view your detailed, NABL-certified report, including the numerical antibody index or titer.
4. You can easily view the report online or download it in PDF format to share instantly with your physician.

Conclusion

The Anti-Dsg-3 (Pemphigus Vulgaris) test is a cornerstone diagnostic tool for this challenging autoimmune blistering disease. Its high specificity and the ability of its quantitative results to reflect disease activity make it indispensable for dermatologists and immunologists. By accurately detecting and measuring the pathogenic autoantibodies, the test provides the essential data needed to confirm the diagnosis, monitor treatment response, and ultimately improve the long-term management and prognosis for individuals with Pemphigus Vulgaris.