Five-Marker Panel Helps Diagnose Lupus
By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 17 Jan 2012
A five-marker panel was designed to Rule-In Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) and Rule-Out other rheumatic diseases to help establish an accurate SLE diagnosis.Posted on 17 Jan 2012
Called Avise SLE, the panel includes testing of antinuclear antibodies (ANA), anti-double stranded DNA antibodies (dsDNA), anti-mutated citrullinated vimentin antibodies (Avise MCV), EC4d, and BC4d. The cell-bound complements rule-in SLE because of their increased performance over soluble complements, which help to accurately and consistently diagnose SLE.
ANA, dsDNA, and AntiMCV are measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) whereas EC4d and BC4d are measured using flow cytometry. A negative result for ANA helps rule-out the possibility of SLE. A positive result for dsDNA rules-in SLE. AVISE MCV rules-out Rheumatoid Arthritis.
Exagen Diagnostics, Inc. (Albuquerque, NM, USA), a specialty focused molecular diagnostics laboratory that discovers, develops and markets proprietary tests for rheumatologists and gastroenterologists, launched the Avise SLE, which aids in the diagnosis of lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus).
The serological and flow cytometric tests are performed using a standard blood specimen, and shipped to Exagen's specialized Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) registered, College of American Pathologists (CAP) certified laboratory for processing. The company provides kits, pays shipping costs, and returns test results in 7 business days
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Exagen Diagnostics, Inc.