Belgian recommendations on ANA, anti-dsDNA and anti-ENA antibody testing

M. Van Blerk*, X. Bossuyt, R. Humbel, A. Mewis, G. Servais, J. P. Tomasi, C. Van Campenhout, L. Van Hoovels, M. Vercammen, J. Damoiseaux, W. Coucke, P. Van de Walle

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticleAcademicpeer-review

Abstract

Autoantibodies to nuclear antigens, i.e. antinuclear antibodies (ANA), antibodies to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and extractable nuclear antigens (ENA), are useful as diagnostic markers for a variety of autoimmune diseases. In March 2010, the Belgian national External Quality Assessment Scheme sent a questionnaire on ANA, anti-dsDNA and anti-ENA antibody testing designed by the Dutch EASI (European Autoimmunity Standardization Initiative) team, to all clinical laboratories performing ANA testing. Virtually all laboratories completed the questionnaire (97.7%, 127/130). This paper discusses the results of this questionnaire and provides valuable information on the state-of-the-art of ANA, anti-dsDNA and anti-ENA antibody testing as practiced in the Belgian laboratories. In addition, this work presents practical recommendations developed by the members of the advisory board of the scheme as a result of the outcome of this study.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)83-86
JournalActa Clinica Belgica
Volume69
Issue number2
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - Apr 2014

Keywords

  • Antinuclear antibodies
  • Anti-dsDNA antibodies
  • Anti-ENA antibodies
  • Recommendations
  • External quality assessment

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