DNA Autoantibodies, Double Stranded




Test Mnemonic

DSDNA

CPT Codes

  • 86225 - QTY (1)

Aliases

  • dsDNA Autoantibodies
  • FARR DNA Autoabs, Double Stranded

Performing Laboratory

LabCorp


Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
1 mLSerumSST (Gold) FrozenSeparate serum from cells within 1 hour of collection, transfer into a standard plastic aliquot tube and freeze. Separate specimens should be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.

Alternate Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
1 mLSerumNo additive (Red) FrozenSeparate serum from cells within 1 hour of collection, transfer into a standard plastic aliquot tube and freeze. Separate specimens should be submitted when multiple tests are ordered.

Minimum Specimen Requirements

Volume Type Container Collect Temperature Transport Temperature Special Instructions
0.3 mL    Note: This volume does NOT allow for repeat testing

Stability

Environmental Condition Description
Ambient7 days
Refrigerated14 days
Frozen60 days; Stable x 1 freeze/thaw cycle

Days Performed

Mon - Fri

Turnaround Time

8 - 11 days

Methodology

Name Description
Radioimmunoassay (RIA) 

Reference Range

DNA Autoantibodies, Double Stranded
Sex Age From Age To Type Range Range Unit
       Normal<8.0IU/mL

Special Info

Grossly hemolyzed specimens will be rejected. Lipemic specimens and icteric specimens are unacceptable. Other causes for rejection include bacterial contamination and non-serum specimen types.

Clinical Info

The Farr method detects the high-affinity anti-dsDNA antibodies. The Farr assay is the most specific method for detecting dsDNA autoantibodies. Significant elevations in dsDNA autoantibody concentrations confirm the diagnosis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Serial studies of elevated values of dsDNA autoantibodies are useful for predicting activity of SLE and for measurement of serum C3 or C4 concentrations. Absence of dsDNA autoantibodies does not exclude the diagnosis of SLE. Doubling of dsDNA autoantibody concentrations or increases greater than 30 IU/mL in less than 10 weeks are reliably predictive of exacerbations of SLE. A simultaneous decrease in serum C4 complement enhances this predictive value.