Immunology Laboratory
The Division of Pathology at Cincinnati Children’s performs testing for the detection of autoantibodies that have the potential to cause a broad spectrum of systemic autoimmune disorders. The presence of anti-nuclear and anti-cytoplasmic antibodies can be indicative of systemic autoimmune diseases and can be used in conjunction with other clinical findings to aid in diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjogren’s syndrome, scleroderma, hepatitis, and other mixed connective tissue diseases. Autoantibody testing is performed using the gold standard methodology of Indirect Immunofluorescence Assay (IFA) and ELISA. Our technologists are highly trained in order to provide the most accurate interpretation of the various patterns that may be present. Positive results for IFA tests provide the clinician with a pattern, as well as a titer to show relative strength of the antibody.
The Pathology Laboratory performs the following autoantibody tests:
- Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA), with reflex testing to Extractable Nuclear Antibody (ENA) and Anti-double-stranded DNA Antibody (dsDNA AB) in the case of a positive ANA result
- Anti-double-stranded DNA Antibody (dsDNA AB)
- Extractable Nuclear Antigen (ENA) which include SSa, SSb, RNP, Sm, and Jo-1
- Autoantibody Screen which includes the following nuclear and cytoplasmic antibodies: Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA), Anti-Liver / Kidney Microsomal Antibody (ALKMA), Anti-Mitochondrial Antibody (AMA), Anti-Parietal Cell Antibody (APCA), and Anti-Smooth Muscle Antibody (ASMA)
Lab Hours and Turnaround Times
Anti-Nuclear Antibody (ANA), Anti-double-stranded DNA Antibody (dsDNA AB) and Extractable Nuclear Antibody (ENA) testing is performed on Tuesday and Thursday on first shift. The Autoantibody Screen (including cytoplasmic antibodies) is performed Thursday on first shift. For testing outside of this schedule, call the lab at 513-636-9820. TAT: one - seven days
Collection Requirements
- The only acceptable sample for this assay is serum collected in a gold top (SST) tube.
- Requested volume: 1mL
