Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
Introduction
A number of
autoimmune diseases have been correlated with the presence of
autoantibodies to nuclear antigens. In addition to lupus erythematosus and
other collagen and vascular diseases, reproductive autoimmune failure
syndrome (RAFS) is included among autoimmune diseases. RAFS is the
association of recurrent pregnancy loss, unexplained infertility or
endometriosis with the presence of circulating autoantibodies including
antinuclear antibodies. Detection of antinuclear antibodies is helpful in
identifying individuals at risk for systemic lupus erythematosus, collagen
vascular disease and reproductive autoimmune failure syndrome.
Identification of individuals at risk for RAFS will aid in directing
appropriate treatment.
Indication for
Testing
Individuals with a history of symptoms of systemic lupus
erythematosus and/or collagen vascular disease as well as all women
experiencing two or more unexplained consecutive pregnancy losses,
unexplained infertility or symptoms associated with endometriosis should
be tested for the presence of antinuclear antibodies.
Detection
Method
Antinuclear antibodies to eight nuclear antigens are
detected by solid-phase ELISA assay for the IgG isotype to single stranded
DNA, double stranded DNA, Smith antigen, RNP, Sjogrens antigen A (SSA),
Sjogrens antigen B (SSB), scleroderma 70 and histones.
Interpretation of Test
Results
Results are reported as negative or positive. A normal
value is negative.
Specimen Collection and Shipping
Requirements
- Collect one (1) 10 ml red or tiger top tube.
- Ship at room temperature in prepaid FedEx mailers overnight, next
day morning
Turn around Time
Processing
of specimens begins immediately upon receipt at our facilities. Results
are routinely available within 7 to 10 days and are initially faxed, then
mailed to the requesting physician.
Cost
Included in our fees
are specimen collection and shipping materials, all courier and shipping
charges, telephone and written reports, and consultation with physicians.
Please call 1-877-737-7652 for pricing information.
Request Hard Copy
References
Cowchock FS,
Smith JB, and Gocial B. Antibodies to phospholipids and nuclear antigens
in patients with repeated abortions. Am J Obstet Gynecol 1986;155:
1002-1010.
Roussev RG, Kaider BD, Price DE, Coulam CB. Laboratory evaluation of
women experiencing reproductive failure. Am J Reprod Immunol
1996;35:415-20.
Purvis MT, Kaider BD, Roussev RG, Coulam CB. Antinuclear antibody
prevalence in patients with reproductive failure. Am J Reprod Immunol
1996; 35:463.
Kaider BD, Coulam CB, Roussev RG. Murine embryos as a direct target for
some human autoantibodies in vitro. Hum Reprod 1999; 10: 2556-2561.
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