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 language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 83-86 |
Journal | Acta Clinica Belgica |
Volume | 69 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Apr 2014 |
Keywords
- Antinuclear antibodies
- Anti-dsDNA antibodies
- Anti-ENA antibodies
- Recommendations
- External quality assessment