Anti ds-DNA antibody Test

This test is mainly performed along with other autoantibody tests to diagnose lupus. Doctors order this test when someone displays the following symptoms:

• Persistent tiredness and fatigue
• Joint pain
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Appearance of red rashes over nose and cheeks
• Numbness of the hand and feet
• Fever

This test can also be done to monitor disease activity in individuals who have already been diagnosed with lupus.

No specific preparations need to be done before the test. However, since a lab technician or healthcare provider will take a blood sample, you can wear something comfortable and loose so that the test can be performed with ease.

Your healthcare provider will collect a blood sample from a vein in your arm by inserting a sterile needle - you may or may not feel slight pain. 

Some common risks associated with blood tests are: 

• Difficulty in obtaining the sample
• Lightheadedness or fainting
• Excessive bleeding in the area of blood withdrawal
• Haematoma (accumulation of blood under the skin)
• Infection at the site of needle insertion

Most of these risks can easily be reduced when proper precautionary measures are taken.

Once withdrawn, the blood sample will be added to a test apparatus which contains antigens (substances against which antibodies are produced). If the sample contains antibodies to specific antigens, both of these will bind with each other. Afterwards, an enzyme will be added to the apparatus to detect any colour changes which indicates the presence of anti-dsDNA in the sample.

Normal results:

When the test results are negative, it indicates the absence or very low level of anti-dsDNA; however, this does not exclude the diagnosis of lupus as according to statistics, only 50%-70% of individuals who have lupus are detected with anti-dsDNA in their blood.

The normal reference range for the test is <10 IU/mL.

Abnormal results:

 The following values indicate abnormal results:

• 10-15 IU/mL: Borderline
• >15 IU/mL: Positive
• >400 IU/mL: Maximum value

A positive result indicates that the results are abnormal.

A high level of anti-dsDNA may be indicative of lupus. In such a case, the doctor will perform several other tests to confirm the diagnosis.

Low to moderate levels of autoantibodies indicate the presence of autoimmune disorders such as Sjogren’s syndrome and mixed connective tissue disease.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational point of view and is in no way a substitute for medical advice by a qualified doctor.

(Health checkup app)