Islet autoantibodies can usually show up in your blood before and close to a type 1 diabetes diagnosis. However, these antibodies are typically absent with type 2 diabetes. If you have recently received a diabetes diagnosis, our blood test can help you tell the difference between type 1 and type 2 diabetes.




Islet Cell Antibodies Blood Test
- Results estimated in 5 working days
- Convenient testing options
- Bespoke doctor’s report
- Free delivery
Checks for islet cell antibodies (ICA) to assess autoimmune activity against insulin-producing cells in the pancreas. Results are given qualitatively as positive or negative.
How do you want to take your sample?
Please choose one option below-
Book a venous draw at a clinic Venous+£35Visit one of our national clinic partners for a nurse to take your venous blood sample from a vein in your arm. We’ll email you instructions on how to book after we’ve processed your order.
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Book a venous draw at home with a nurse Venous+£59Book a home nurse appointment for a nurse to take your venous blood sample from a vein in your arm.
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Self-arrange a professional sample collection VenousFreeMake an appointment at a phlebotomy clinic to have your venous blood sample taken. You will be responsible for arranging your appointment and any additional fees.
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How it works
You have the flexibility to choose what works best for you. Enjoy the comfort of having a friendly nurse visit your home for a quick blood draw, opt for a convenient visit to one of our nationwide partner clinics, or self-arrange a draw at a location that suits you.
Take control of your health with Medichecks – order your blood test today!

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MyMedichecks is your personal online dashboard where you can view your results, access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers, monitor changes in your health, and securely store information about your medical history, lifestyle and vital statistics.
Supported by a team of specialist and qualified doctors
Dr Natasha Fernando
Medical DirectorDr Tina Ghela
Digital Clinician LeadDr Susanna Hayter
Digital Clinician
What's in the test?
Autoimmunity
Islet cell antibodies
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How to prepare for your test
Test limitations
Reviews
FAQs
Do islet autoantibodies cause type 1 diabetes?
No, islet autoantibodies do not cause type 1 diabetes. Islet autoantibodies are markers of an autoimmune response to the islet cells. Type 1 diabetes was previously known as juvenile or insulin-dependent diabetes but has been re-characterized to reflect absolute insulin deficiency.
What could my results mean?
If autoimmune type 1 diabetes is present, one or more islet autoantibodies will be present in about 95% of people affected at the time of initial diagnosis. With type 2 diabetes, the autoantibodies are typically absent.
What are islet autoantibodies?
Islet autoantibodies are proteins produced by the immune system that are associated with type 1 diabetes. Type 1 diabetes is a condition caused by a lack of insulin due to autoimmune processes that destroy the insulin-producing beta cells in the pancreas. Islet autoantibodies can be detected in the blood before a type 1 diabetes diagnosis, are usually present at the time of diagnosis, and decrease in frequency over five to ten years following a diagnosis of type 1 diabetes.