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Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: The Importance of Laboratory Screening in Diagnosis
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune disease characterized by the production of autoantibodies that can affect various organs and tissues in the body. It is a condition with variable clinical presentation, with symptoms that include severe fatigue, joint pain, skin lesions, fever, and, in more severe cases, renal, neurological, and cardiovascular involvement.
Due to the diversity of clinical manifestations and the similarity to other inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, the diagnosis of lupus poses a challenge in clinical practice, making laboratory testing a fundamental step in guiding the medical decision-making process.
The Role of Laboratory Tests in the Diagnosis of Lupus
The diagnosis of SLE is not based on a single test. It is clinical and depends on the correlation between signs, symptoms, and laboratory results, in accordance with criteria established by medical societies such as the American College of Rheumatology (ACR).
Among the tests used in the initial evaluation, the ANF (Antinuclear Factor) test stands out as it is widely used as a screening test. A positive ANF result indicates the presence of autoantibodies, but does not confirm a diagnosis of lupus; it may be associated with other autoimmune diseases, infections, or even asymptomatic individuals. Therefore, positive results should be interpreted with caution and always considered in conjunction with a clinical evaluation and additional tests, such as anti-DNA, anti-Sm, and other specific autoantibodies.
LATEX ANTIBODIES: Laboratory Screening to Aid Diagnosis
As part of the initial investigation, the laboratory may use the LES LÁTEX, an Ebram reagent intended for the screening of systemic lupus erythematosus.
The kit is based on a latex agglutination assay for the qualitative and semiquantitative detection of anti-DNP (anti-deoxyribonucleoprotein) antibodies in human serum. DNP-sensitized latex particles, when in contact with samples containing these antibodies, form a visible agglutination within 2 minutes.
Key Features of LES LÁTEX – Ebram
Line: Serology
Methodology: Latex agglutination
Application: Screening for lupus, helping to identify the presence of autoantibodies and guide laboratory testing
Result: Qualitative and semi-quantitative
Reading time: up to 2 minutes
The LES LÁTEX is not a confirmatory test, but it serves as an important initial tool in laboratory screening, helping the laboratory and the clinician decide whether to proceed with more specific tests.
Early diagnosis and appropriate follow-up
Early identification of immunological changes is essential for reducing complications and guiding appropriate treatment for lupus. The combination of a thorough clinical evaluation and carefully selected laboratory tests contributes to safer and more effective care, directly impacting the patient’s quality of life.
Raising awareness about lupus underscores the importance of access to accurate information, combating misinformation, and the role of the laboratory in screening and supporting diagnosis.
For more information about LES LÁTEX and its applications, please contact our team:
Customer Service: 0800 500 2424 | [email protected]
Sales Department: (11) 2291-2811 | [email protected]
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