Double-stranded DNA (Anti-dsDNA) | AAS IgG

General Information

The double-stranded DNA antibody test measures antibodies against the genetic information in the nucleus of a cell, which allows for the identification of autoimmune diseases.

Anti-dsDNA antibodies are one group of antinuclear antibodies associated with lupus erythematosus. Lupus erythematosus and other chronic inflammatory diseases cause inflammatory autoimmune lesions in various tissues – joints, kidneys, blood vessels, skin, heart muscle, lungs, brain, and others.

Double-stranded DNA (ANTI DS-DNA) antibody research is used in the diagnostics of lupus erythematosus when a positive antinuclear antibody test is present and there are clinical signs of the disease.

ANA antinuclear antibodies are the first-line diagnostic test for autoimmune disease. In 95% of cases of lupus erythematosus, the test is positive, although it can also be detected in other diseases. The double-stranded DNA (ANTI DS-DNA) antibody test is highly specific for lupus, although it is only found in 65-85% of lupus patients. Therefore, a negative result of the double-stranded DNA autoantibody test does not rule out lupus.

If the antinuclear (ANA) antibody test is positive, DS-DNA autoantibody testing can differentiate lupus from other autoimmune diseases. In order to increase the reliability of the diagnostics, along with the anti-dsDNA antibody test, the Sm-Smith autoantibody test is also performed, which is also associated with lupus erythematosus. The Smith antibody test is performed as part of an ENA (extractable nuclear antibody) panel. Along with double-stranded DNA autoantibodies, anti-histone antibodies are also tested, which are found in 95% of drug-induced lupus and confirm the diagnostics.

Anti-dsDNA double-stranded DNA antibody testing is also informative for assessing disease activity. An increase in double-stranded DNA antibodies is often observed during or before an exacerbation.

The test is also used to assess the risk of lupus complications, in particular renal complications. In lupus-nephritis, inflammatory kidney damage is followed by the presence of protein in the urine, high blood pressure, and functional kidney failure. The reason for this is an immune inflammatory reaction in the kidney tissue.

When is the survey conducted?

When a patient presents with lupus-like symptoms accompanied by positive or questionable levels of antinuclear antibodies, testing for anti-dsDNA antibodies is recommended.

Symptoms of lupus include the following:

• muscle pain
• Pain in one or more joints
• Subfebrile fever
• Weakness and fatigue
• Increased skin sensitivity to light
• Weight loss, hair loss
• Numbness or changes in sensation in the extremities
• Chronic inflammation and damage to organs and tissues

Material for examination: Venous blood

Preparing for the test: No prior preparation is required, but it is recommended that you inform your doctor about all the medications or supplements you are taking.

When taking biotin (vitamin H or B7), it is recommended to stop taking the medicine 72 hours before the test.

Referral norm: < 100 EI/ml