Table of contents:
- Definition
- What are anticromatin antibodies?
- When should I take anticromatin antibodies?
- Precautions & warnings
- What should I know before taking anticromatin antibodies?
- Process
- What should I do before taking anticromatin antibodies?
- How do the anticromatin antibodies work?
- What should I do after taking anticromatin antibodies?
- Explanation of the Test Results
- What do my test results mean?
Definition
What are anticromatin antibodies?
An anticromatin antibody test is used to diagnose the presence of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).
There are several anticromatin antibodies associated with autoimmune diseases. Nucleosome (NCS) is a significant indication of the presence of antigens in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Anti-nucleosome antibodyes (Anti-NCS, anti-chromatin) have an important role in the pathogeny of lupus erythematosus. Most sufferers also experience anti-nucleosome antibodies. The presence of anti-NSC antibodies indicates possible kidney damage (such as glomerulonephritis or proteinuria) and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. Lupus Erythematosus sufferers generally have anti-NSC autoimmune antibodies compared to Anti-DNA.
Anti-histone antibodies cause as much as 20% - 50% of major Lupus Erythematosus and 80% - 90% of drug-induced Lupus Erythematosus. Only less than 20% of antibodies are associated with connective tissue. Anti-histone antibodies can be used in particular to identify people with lupus erythematosus caused by drugs such as procainamide, quinidine, penicillamine, hydralzine, methyldopa, isoniazid and acebutolol. There are several types of anti-histone antibodies (AHA). In the case of Lupus Erythematosus which is caused by drugs, the body produces a special AHA (anti-IgG). Other AHA diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis in young people, primary biliary cirrhosis, autoimmune hepatitis and dermatomyositis (muscle inflammation) are included in other AHA groups.
When should I take anticromatin antibodies?
The anticromatin antibody test is used to diagnose, analyze and treat Lupus Erythematosus patients, and is useful for showing an increased risk of nephritis caused by lupus.
Precautions & warnings
What should I know before taking anticromatin antibodies?
Anti-NCS has a 100% sensitivity rate and 97% specificity in the diagnosis of Systematic Lupus Erythematosus. Anti-NSC antibodies are usually closely associated with medical conditions.
Anti-chromatin antibody is not accompanied by ANA (antinuclear antibody), anti-phospholipid antibody or low trace elements.
It is important that you understand the above warnings before running this test. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for further information and instructions.
Process
What should I do before taking anticromatin antibodies?
Things that need to be considered before undergoing the test:
- pay attention to the doctor's explanation of the test process
- fasting before the test is not required
How do the anticromatin antibodies work?
The doctor will take a blood sample to be stored in a tube with a red or yellow cap.
The medical personnel in charge of drawing your blood will take the following steps:
- wrap an elastic belt around your upper arm to stop blood flow. This makes the blood vessel under the bundle enlarge making it easier to insert the needle into the vessel
- clean the area to be injected with alcohol
- inject a needle into a vein. More than one needle may be required.
- Insert the tube into the syringe to fill it with blood
- untie the knot from your arm when enough blood is drawn
- sticking gauze or cotton on the injection site, after the injection is complete
- apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on
Anti-Chromatin antibody identified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)
What should I do after taking anticromatin antibodies?
While you generally won't feel any pain, some people can feel pain when a new needle is injected. However, when the needle is in the blood vessel, the pain is usually not felt. Pain depends on the skills of the nurse, the condition of the blood vessels and your sensitivity to pain.
After the blood draw, it is recommended that you wrap it with a bandage and apply light pressure to your vein to stop the bleeding. You can do your normal activities after the test.
If you have any questions about this test process, please consult with your doctor to understand more.
Explanation of the Test Results
What do my test results mean?
Normal result:
Anti-Nucleosome antibody:
No antibodies were detected at dilutions <1:20.
Antihistone antibodies:
- Not detected: <1.0 units
- Excludes: 1.0-1.5 units
- Positive: 1.6-2.5 units
- Very positive:> 2.5 units
Abnormal results:
Increased concentration:
- systemic lupus erythematosus
- drug-induced lupus erythematosus
- other autoimmune diseases
Anticromatin antibody test results may vary, depending on the laboratory. Consult your doctor if you have questions about test results.