Anti DNA Antibody Test- Why am I having this test?
Anti DNA Antibody Test helps with the diagnosis and follow-up of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is also used to monitor treatment of this condition as the antibody decreases with successful therapy.
What is being tested?
Anti DNA Antibody Test measures the amount of anti-DNA antibody in the blood. This antibody is found in 65–80% of patients with active SLE. This antibody is not as common in patients who have other diseases.
What kind of sample is taken?
A blood sample is required for this test. It is usually collected by inserting a needle into a blood vessel.
How are the results reported?
Your test results will be reported as a value. Your test results may also be reported as positive, intermediate, or negative. Your health care provider will compare your results to normal ranges that were established after testing a large group of people (reference values). Reference values may vary among labs and hospitals. For this test, common reference values are:
- Positive: 10 or more international units/mL.
- Intermediate: 5–9 international units/mL.
- Negative: Less than 5 international units/mL.
What do the results mean?
Positive results, which are associated with results that are higher than the reference values, may indicate:
- Autoimmune disorders such as SLE.
- Infectious mononucleosis.
- Chronic liver conditions.
Intermediate results mean that the anti-DNA antibody levels are higher than normal, but not high enough to be considered positive.
Negative results mean that you do not have the anti-DNA antibody that is associated with these conditions.
Talk with your health care provider about what your results mean.
Questions to ask your health care provider
Ask your health care provider, or the department that is doing the test:
- When will my results be ready?
- How will I get my results?
- What are my treatment options?
- What other tests do I need?
- What are my next steps?
Summary
- The anti DNA antibody test helps with the diagnosis and follow-up of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). It is also used to monitor treatment of this condition as the antibody decreases with successful therapy.
- This test measures the amount of anti-DNA antibody in the blood.
- Elevated levels of anti-DNA antibody can be seen in patients with SLE and certain other conditions.
