Islet Cell Antibody Test - Islet Cell Antibodies (ICA) Test

The anti-islet cell antibody (ICA) test is an immunological test that detects the presence of autoantibodies in serum directed against various components of pancreatic islets (islets of Langerhans), particularly insulin-producing beta cells. The test is typically performed using immunosorbent assay (IFA) on human pancreatic tissue slides. The presence of these antibodies is an early marker of an autoimmune process that leads to the destruction of beta cells, a hallmark of type 1 diabetes.