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  • Title: Belgian recommendations on ANA, anti-dsDNA and anti-ENA antibody testing.
    Author: Van Blerk M, Bossuyt X, Humbel R, Mewis A, Servais G, Tomasi JP, Van Campenhout C, Van Hoovels L, Vercammen M, Damoiseaux J, Coucke W, Van de Walle P.
    Journal: Acta Clin Belg; 2014 Apr; 69(2):83-6. PubMed ID: 24724745.
    Abstract:
    Autoantibodies to nuclear antigens, i.e. antinuclear antibodies (ANA), antibodies to double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) and extractable nuclear antigens (ENA), are useful as diagnostic markers for a variety of autoimmune diseases. In March 2010, the Belgian national External Quality Assessment Scheme sent a questionnaire on ANA, anti-dsDNA and anti-ENA antibody testing designed by the Dutch EASI (European Autoimmunity Standardization Initiative) team, to all clinical laboratories performing ANA testing. Virtually all laboratories completed the questionnaire (97·7%, 127/130). This paper discusses the results of this questionnaire and provides valuable information on the state-of-the-art of ANA, anti-dsDNA and anti-ENA antibody testing as practiced in the Belgian laboratories. In addition, this work presents practical recommendations developed by the members of the advisory board of the scheme as a result of the outcome of this study.
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