Detection of antinuclear antibodies: recommendations from EFLM, EASI and ICAP

What is it about?

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are important for the diagnosis of various autoimmune diseases. ANA are usually detected by indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA) using HEp-2 cells (HEp-2 IFA). A group of experts reviewed current literature and established recommendations on methodological aspects of ANA testing. The recommendations relate to (i) ANA testing and reporting by HEp-2 IFA, (ii) HEp-2 IFA methodological aspects including substrate/conjugate selection and the application of computer-assisted diagnosis systems, (iii) quality assurance, (iv) HEp-2 IFA validation/verification approaches and (v) SPA. These recommendations are helpful to achieve high quality ANA testing.

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