A SENSITIVE AND REPRODUCIBLE METHOD FOR THE ASSAY OF HUMAN ISLET CELL ANTIBODIES

The islet cell antibody test is increasingly used to predict insulin-dependent diabetes before it is clinically apparent. Four international workshops on the test have shown wide variations in reproducibility, sensitivity and specificity. This illustrates the need for a more clearly defined method. We report a technique which offers both increased sensitivity and reproducibility. Using this method 94% of newly diagnosed diabetic children have ICA levels ≥ 10 international units, whereas only 1.5% of normal children are positive at his level, and 7% of first degree relatives (aged less then 20 years) of IDDM patients. © 1990.