DNA Double-Stranded (dsDNA) Antibodies by Crithidia luciliae IFA, IgG, Serum
Use
This test is useful for confirmation testing for dsDNA IgG antibodies in patients with clinical features of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or those at risk for the disease. The presence of dsDNA IgG antibodies is highly specific for SLE and is part of the immunology domain of the 2019 European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR)/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) classification criteria for SLE. It is employed as a confirmatory test following a positive dsDNA IgG result obtained by a solid-phase immunoassay due to its structural or analytical specificity. A positive result in the appropriate clinical context is highly suggestive of SLE.
Special Instructions
This test should not be used independently for monitoring treatment response or establishing remission. The test involves using Indirect Immunofluorescence to detect antibodies bound to the kinetoplast of Crithidia luciliae. The test is performed Monday through Friday, and results are usually available within 2 to 4 days. Specimens should be refrigerated or frozen, and the serum should be centrifuged and aliquoted into a plastic vial after collection.
Limitations
The Crithidia luciliae indirect immunofluorescence test (CLIFT) may show discordant results with solid-phase immunoassays due to differences in the structural specificities of DNA analytes and the absence of reliable reagents for harmonization across clinical tests. A positive result by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) with a CLIFT negative result may occur in early or inactive SLE or may represent a false positive. Additionally, a negative result does not exclude a diagnosis of SLE, and some SLE patients may test negative using HEp-2 by immunofluorescence for nuclear antibodies.
New York Approved
Methodology
Immunoassay (Indirect Immunofluorescence)
Biomarkers
LOINC Codes
- 58466-4
- 69048-7
Result Turnaround Time
2-4 days
Related Documents
For more information, please review the documents below
Specimen
Serum
Volume
0.3 mL
Minimum Volume
Not provided
Container
Plastic vial
Collection Instructions
Centrifuge and aliquot serum into a plastic vial.
Stability Requirements
| Temperature | Period |
|---|---|
| Refrigerated | 21 days |
| Frozen | 21 days |