Anti-dsDNA

Anti-dsDNA. 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 genetic material, causing inflammation, tissue damage, and other signs and symptoms that are associated with an autoimmune system.

Why Get Tested?

To help diagnose and monitor lupus, also called systemic lupus erythematosus or SLE, a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disorder in which the immune system mistakenly targets the body’s cells and tissues.

Sample Required?

A blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm. 

Why Do I Need an Anti Ds-Dna Antibody Test?

ELISA DNA test procedure aids in differentiating lupus from other autoimmune diseases that may have been bothering you. The DNA analysis also helps in measuring the severity of the diseases in patients detected with lupus and lupus nephritis.

If you are experiencing muscle pain, hair loss, weight loss, arthritis, weakness, fever, exhaustion, numbness in the feet or the hands, or even organ inflammation or damage; lupus is what is suspected. A DNA blood test is what you need in this case…

Lupus nephritis is a severe form of lupus disease that can lead to inflammation and kidney issues. Therefore, DNA antibody testing becomes important before it is too late

What Do My Test Results Mean?

The result of a dsDNA Ab test is usually considered together with a person’s medical history, signs and symptoms, and results of other autoantibody tests.

A high level of anti-dsDNA is strongly associated with SLE and is often significantly increased during or just before an SLE flare-up. If the dsDNA Ab test is positive and the person tested has other clinical signs associated with SLE, then is it likely that she has SLE? This is especially true if an anti-Sm test is also positive. In Australia, the anti-Sm test is very rarely positive (less than 5% of SLE patients). 

A very low level of anti-dsDNA is considered negative but does not exclude a diagnosis of SLE. Only about 50-60% of those with SLE will have anti-dsDNA measured by one assay, though when assays are combined, up to 80% and perhaps with three or four different assays, 100% of SLE patients may be positive.

Low to moderate levels of the autoantibody may be seen with other autoimmune disorders, such as Sjögren syndrome and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD), and may be induced by some drugs such as TNF inhibitors. dsDNA Ab tests are semi-quantitative and may be performed using different assays.

How Is This Anti-dsDna Antibody Done?

As far as how to do a DNA test is concerned, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay or ELISA is conducted. In this anti-ds test, antibodies and color modifications are utilized to identify foreign substances. The DNA test procedure involves the collection of the blood sample that would be added to the test apparatus containing antigens.

In case your blood has antibodies to the specific antigens, both of them would bind together. Next, an enzyme would be added to the cohered antigens and antibodies to look for color changes. If the lab technician noticed a color change, you would have anti-ds DNA in your blood.

How Do I Prepare For Anti Ds-Dna Antibody Test?

There are no preparations that are required for anti-ds DNA testing.