Anti

Definition

What are anti-DNA antibodies?

Anti-DNA antibody tests can be used to diagnose and monitor systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Antibodies are found in 65% - 80% of patients with SLE which are rarely found in conjunction with other diseases. The main characteristic of systemic lupus erythematosus is the high concentration of antibodies. However, if the antibody concentration is moderate or low, it doesn't mean you have systemic lupus erythematosus. Several other autoimmune diseases can also cause antibody concentrations to low and moderate levels.

When should I take anti-DNA antibodies?

Your doctor will order tests if you have symptoms of lupus or you get a positive result on the ANA test. Here are some of the symptoms of SLE:

muscle ache

moderate fever

fatigue

hair loss and weight loss

skin sensitive to light

joint pain such as arthritis, joint pain and absence of injury

numbness or needling of the hands and feet

This test is also used to observe and identify advanced lupus.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before taking anti-DNA antibodies?

You should be aware of the following factors that can affect the test results:

if you used radioactive imaging 1 week before the test

drugs such as hydralazine and procainamide can increase the concentration of DNA antibodies and produce inaccurate results

sometimes you get positive results if you have other diseases such as chronic hepatitis, liver cirrhosis, primary biliary static and increased infectious mononucleosis

It is important that you understand the warnings above before running this test. If you have any questions, consult your doctor for further information and instructions.

Process

What should I do before taking anti-DNA antibodies?

Your doctor will explain the test process to you. This test is a blood test. You don't need to make any special preparations other than to stop eating or drinking before the test. It is recommended that you wear clothes with short sleeves to help with the blood draw process.

How is the anti-DNA antibody process?

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

attaching gauze or cotton to the injection site, after the injection is complete

apply pressure to the area and then put a bandage on

The doctor will store the blood sample in a red cap tube.

What should I do after taking anti-DNA antibodies?

The doctor or nurse will take a sample of your blood. The 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.