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Anti-Double-Stranded DNA

Anti-nDNA, dsDNA Antibodies, Anti-dsDNA

Test Codes

EPIC: LAB3663, Beaker: DNA

Department

Immunology

Specimen Collection Criteria

Collect: One Gold-top SST tube. (Minimum Whole Blood: 2.0 mL)

Physician Office/Draw Specimen Preparation

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Refrigerate (2-8°C or 36-46°F) the centrifuged collection tube within two hours of collection. (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Preparation for Courier Transport

Transport: Centrifuged collection tube, refrigerated (2-8 °C or 36-46 °F). (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Rejection Criteria

• Plasma specimens.
• Severely hemolyzed, lipemic or icteric specimens. 

In-Lab Processing

Let specimen clot 30-60 minutes then immediately centrifuge to separate serum from cells. Room temperature is acceptable for a maximum of two hours. (Minimum Serum: 0.5 mL)

Storage

Specimen Stability for Testing:

Centrifuged SST Tubes and Microtainers^® with Separator Gels
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Red-top Tubes and Microtainers^® without Separator Gels
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): Unacceptable
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): Unacceptable

Serum Specimens (Pour-Overs)
Room Temperature (20-26°C or 68-78.8°F): 2 hours
Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days
Frozen (-20°C/-4°F or below): 3 months

Specimen Storage in Department Prior to Disposal:

Refrigerated (2-8°C or 36-46°F): 7 days

Laboratory

Royal Oak Special Chemistry Laboratory

Performed

Monday – Friday.
Results available within 2 business days. 

Reference Range

Negative:  ≤ 4 IU/mL.
Equivocal:  5.0-9.0 IU/mL.
Positive:  ≥ 10 IU/mL.

Test Methodology

Multiplex Flow Assay.

Interpretation

Antibodies to double-stranded DNA (30 IU/mL or greater) are found in 50-60% of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 20-30% in Sjogren's syndrome, 20-25% in mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), and less than 5% in progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS). High titers of antibody to double stranded (native) DNA are specific for SLE.

The titer of anti-dsDNA may decrease with successful therapy and increases in acute recurrence of SLE.

Clinical Utility

dsDNA immune complexes play a role in the pathogenesis of SLE through the deposition of these complexes in the kidney and other tissues. Therefore, the detection and quantitation of anti-dsDNA is diagnostically and therapeutically helpful in patients with suspected SLE.

CPT Codes

86225
LOINC:  33800-4

Contacts

Last Updated

7/21/2024