| Category: |
Rheumatology |
|---|---|
| Test Code: | 013 |
| Disease: | Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) |
| Methodology: | ELISA |
| Reference Range: | Negative: 25 |
| Units: | EU/ml |
| CPT Code: | 83522 |
| Schedule / Turnaround Time: | Assay performed once weekly. Report availability is within two weeks from the time of specimen receipt. |
| Specimen Requirements: |
Specimen need not be refrigerated or frozen. Collect 2-3 ml of blood in a red top or serum separator tube. If possible, separate serum from clot and place into white tube provided with Immco Diagnostics’ collection kits. If separation facilities are not available, the blood can be sent in the tube used for collection. |
| Sample Stability: |
Sample is stable at ambient temperature during shipment. If sample is stored prior to shipment, it is stable refrigerated (2-8˚C) up to five days and frozen (-20˚C or lower) up to one year. |
| Relevance: |
RNA antibodies occur in systemic lupus erythematosus and the frequency may vary from 17-80%. A correlation between RNA antibodies and disease activity has been reported. In some patients, ribosomal P and RNA antibodies may coexist. RNA antibodies are difficult to recognize by indirect immunofluorescence. The ELISA method represents a significant technological advance and offers a sensitive and specific serological method to assess patients. |