Serum Anti-dsDNA (Quantitative)

Specimen Required

3-5cc Clotted Blood or Serum

Fasting Required

Purpose of the Serum Anti-dsDNA (Quantitative) Test

To help diagnose and monitor systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)

When this Serum Anti-dsDNA (Quantitative) test is required

An anti-dsDNA test is requested when a person shows signs and symptoms that could be due to SLE AND has had a positive ANA test, especially when the ANA presents as a “homogeneous” or “speckled” fluorescent pattern. (See the article on ANA for more on this.) SLE is strongly associated with a positive ANA, which is seen in about 95% of SLE cases. However, a positive ANA is seen in many other conditions whereas a positive anti-dsDNA is fairly specific for SLE. Since anti-dsDNA is more specific for ANA, the test will not usually be requested when the ANA is negative.Some signs and symptoms of SLE include: Muscle pain Arthritis-like pain in one or more joints (but no or little joint damage) Red rash that frequently resembles a butterfly across the nose and cheek areas (malar rash) Fever Persistent fatigue Sensitivity to ultraviolet light Hair and weight loss Inflammation and damage to organs and tissues, including the kidneys, lungs, heart, lining of the heart, central nervous system, and blood vesselsThe anti-dsDNA test may be requested periodically to monitor disease progression or flare-ups in a person who has been diagnosed with SLE. It may be repeated when an initial test result is negative but clinical signs and symptoms persist.

What the Serum Anti-dsDNA (Quantitative) Test Detects

This test measures the amount of antibody to double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) that may be present in the blood. Anti-dsDNA is an autoantibody, produced when a person’s immune system fails to distinguish between “self” and “non-self” cellular components. It mistakenly targets and attacks the body’s own genetic material, causing inflammation, tissue damage, and other signs and symptoms that are associated with an …This test measures the amount of antibody to double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid (anti-dsDNA) that may be present in the blood. Anti-dsDNA is an autoantibody, produced when a person’s immune system fails to distinguish between “self” and “non-self” cellular components. It mistakenly targets and attacks the body’s own genetic material, causing inflammation, tissue damage, and other signs and symptoms that are associated with an autoimmune disorder. Anti-dsDNA is one of several antinuclear antibodies (ANA), a group of antibodies directed against substances found in the nucleus of cells. While it may be present at a low level with a number of disorders, anti-dsDNA is primarily associated with the autoimmune disorder systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or Lupus). SLE can affect the kidneys, joints, blood vessels, skin, heart, lungs, and the brain. Symptoms may include joint pain, rashes, fatigue, and kidney dysfunction. SLE occurs most frequently in women between the ages of 15 to 40 and is more common in non-Caucasians. While no direct cause is known, there may be some genetic predisposition. Certain drugs, chemicals, sunlight, or viral infections may trigger an episode. One particularly serious complication of SLE is lupus nephritis, a condition characterised by inflammation of the kidneys, which can lead to protein in the urine, high blood pressure, and kidney failure. It occurs when the autoantibodies bind to antigens and become deposited in the kidneys. In the evaluation of someone with lupus nephritis, a high titre of anti-dsDNA is generally associated with ongoing inflammation and damage to the kidneys. How is the sample collected for testing? A blood sample is obtained by inserting a needle into a vein in the arm. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? No test preparation is needed. See MoreSee Less

Preparation for the Serum Anti-dsDNA (Quantitative) Test

None

Sample Requirements

A blood sample taken from a vein in your arm

Additional Notes

Anti-dsDNA is sometimes present with diseases such as chronic hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and infectious mononucleosis. It may also be seen in those taking drugs such as procainamide and hydralazine. It is not usually requested under these conditions.In addition to testing for anti-double-stranded DNA, there is also an anti-single-stranded DNA test. This autoantibody is less commonly tested and is not strongly associated with SLE but may be seen with other autoimmune disorders.

Selected Tests