Dermatology

Mayo Clinic dermatologists and dermatopathologists work closely with the Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology and Mayo Clinic Laboratories, a complete reference laboratory specializing in esoteric lab testing and immunodermatopathology, including direct immunofluorescence. Primary and consultative services also are available.

Advanced and accurate diagnosis and treatment is supported by the experts of laboratories dedicated to conditions of the skin, mucous membranes, hair and nails.

Dermatopathology Laboratory

The Dermatopathology Laboratory plays an integral role in the mission of the Department of Dermatology. The lab provides pathologic interpretations of skin specimens in an atmosphere of close cooperation with clinicians, while providing training and clinical research to advance the science.

The dermatopathology laboratory is responsible for:

• The interpretation of cutaneous biopsy specimens received from various internal and external practices in dermatology and other medical specialties
• The interpretation of frozen sections from dermatologic surgery; cutaneous electron micrographs; and various immunohistochemical, histochemical and in situ hybridization stains
• Expert consultations on referred skin biopsy slides

The practice typically deals with a broad range of complex dermatoses, including difficult melanocytic lesions and lymphoproliferative disorders.

Immunodermatology Laboratory

The Immunodermatology Laboratory does testing for evaluation of immunologically mediated diseases of the skin and mucous membranes. Reports include descriptive information summarizing the immunofluorescence patterns, along with a diagnostic impression and, when appropriate, a comment. In addition, digital images of positive direct immunofluorescence staining results are provided to professional clients upon request. Furthermore, our staff is available for interpretation of results.

Immunodermatology laboratory tests

Immundermatologic testing is offered through Mayo Clinic Laboratories, the diagnostic laboratory referral center for Mayo Clinic. The center specializes in providing esoteric laboratory testing for health care organizations throughout the United States and around the world.

Cutaneous immunofluorescence (direct testing)

Biopsy (tissue) direct immunofluorescence (DIF) The DIF test is performed on skin or mucosal biopsy specimens and is useful in the diagnosis of many immunodermatologic diseases.

Cutaneous immunofluorescence antibodies (indirect testing)

Serum, indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) The IIF test is performed on serum to detect the presence of circulating antibodies in immunobullous disease.

Endomysial antibody

Serum (EMA) Circulating IgA endomysial antibodies (EMA) are present in 70% to 80% of patients with dermatitis herpetiformis and in nearly all patients with celiac disease who are not adhering to a gluten-free diet. In patients with a positive screening test, a titer is performed and reported.

DSG 1 and DSG 3

This enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method detects and quantifies serum levels of antibodies against desmogleins 1 and 3, autoantibodies that are frequently present in the setting of various forms of pemphigus. This test is intended for in vitro diagnostic use as an aid in the diagnosis of pemphigus and related entities in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings.

BP180 and BP230

This ELISA method detects and quantifies serum levels of antibodies against BP180 and BP230, autoantibodies that are frequently present in the setting of many forms of pemphigoid. This test is intended for in vitro diagnostic use as an aid in the diagnosis of pemphigoid and related entities in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical findings.

Availability of some services may vary among Mayo Clinic locations. Please confirm when you contact Laboratory Dermatology.