Anti-Double-Stranded DNA

Alternate test name

DNA, Anti-dsDNA

Lab area

Clinical Biochemistry - Immunology

Method and equipment

Chemiluminescent immunoassay on the BIO-Flash analyzer (Werfen)

Expected turn-around time

10 days

Specimen type

Serum

Specimen requirements

Send: 0.3 mL for 1 test or 0.6 mL min for several of:

aCL
dsDNA
tTG (IgA)
MPO
PR3
anti-SM
SSb
Ro52
Ro60
RNP

Storage and transportation

Frozen

Shipping information

The Hospital for Sick Children

Rapid Response Laboratory

555 University Avenue, Room 3642

Toronto, ON

Canada

M5G 1X8

Phone: 416-813-7200

Toll Free: 1-855-381-3212

Hours: 7 days/week, 24 hours/day

Background and clinical significance

Autoantibodies to DNA recognize either single stranded (ss), or double stranded (ds) forms of DNA. Anti-dsDNA antibodies, however, are highly specific for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and are present in affected subjects with a prevalence varying from 40% to 80%. The presence of anti-dsDNA antibodies is one of the 11 classification criteria for SLE, as defined by the American College of Rheumatology. These antibodies are negative in drug induced lupus, and they are also not associated with subacute cutaneous lupus or discoid lupus.