Facing the Challenges of Anti-dsDNA Antibody Testing

Assessment for anti-dsDNA antibodies provides some of the most significant challenges in autoantibody serology testing.  Anti-dsDNA antibodies are an important biomarker for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and are included in the 2019 classification criteria published by the European League Against Rheumatism (EULAR) and the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).  Although useful and important for defining homogeneous populations for clinical studies, the diagnostic application and interpretation of anti-dsDNA antibody results is much less clear.  Partly, this can be attributed to the multitude of assays and platforms available for clinical testing, as well as the complexity of the antigen.  Along with heterogeneity of anti-dsDNA antibodies, these all contribute to limited standardization, both quantitative and qualitative, between methods, despite the availability of a certified reference material.  

 

It is not uncommon for laboratories to be faced with discrepant results between methods in proficiency testing, method evaluations, and clinician observations.  In these situations, it is often up to the laboratory to understand the nature of the discrepancy and provide the most accurate result for the individual patient, which requires detailed knowledge regarding dsDNA antibody assays.  In this webinar, we will review various dsDNA antibody methods, challenges associated with limited standardization, and approaches for troubleshooting discrepant results and other questions associated with dsDNA antibody testing.

 

Topic: Autoimmune, Autoimmunity

 

Learning Objectives