Autoantibody test mainly assists in the diagnosis of autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus and systemic sclerosis by detecting the level of autoantibodies such as antinuclear antibody, anti-ENA antibody and antiphospholipid antibody.
The autoantibody test refers to the presence of antibodies in the patient’s serum that are directed against components of the patient’s own tissues, organs, and cells, commonly such as anti-nuclear antibodies, anti-nucleolus antibodies, anti-Sm antibodies and anti-Scl-70 antibodies, such as anti-ENA antibodies, and anti-phospholipid antibodies. These antibodies help identify and diagnose autoimmune diseases such as SLE and Sclerosis.
However, there is a range of sensitivity and specificity for any antibody, and there is a certain rate of false positives and false negatives. Therefore, a diagnosis cannot be made solely on the basis of autoantibody results, but requires the combination of the patient’s clinical manifestations by a specialist to make a definitive diagnosis.
Patients who need autoantibody testing are advised to go to the rheumatology and immunology department of a regular hospital for detailed consultation, complete the appropriate tests under the guidance of the doctor, and follow the doctor’s instructions for standardized treatment.