We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

Features Partner Sites Information LinkXpress hp
Sign In
Advertise with Us
Sekisui Diagnostics

Download Mobile App




Antinuclear Antibodies Detected by Automated Immunofluorescence

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 13 May 2013
Antinuclear and anticytoplasmic antibodies are important diagnostic markers for systemic rheumatic diseases and autoimmune hepatitis. More...


The diagnostic performance of automated systems for image acquisition and interpretation of indirect immunofluorescence-based tests for antinuclear antibodies are increasingly being used.

Scientists at the Catholic University Leuven (Leuven, Belgium) measured by automated indirect immunofluorescence 268 consecutive samples submitted to the laboratory for antinuclear antibody testing. Included in the study were in 231 patients with a systemic rheumatic disease at the time of diagnosis, 143 blood donors, 134 patients with chronic fatigue syndrome, and 133 diseases controls whose diagnosis of systemic rheumatic disease was excluded.

Antinuclear antibodies were detected by Zenit G-Sight (A. Menarini Diagnostics, Florence, Italy), an automated system for image acquisition and interpretation of indirect immunofluorescence-based tests. The automated fluorescence microscope uses a light-emitting diode (LED) light source with a 450–490 nm bandwidth and is equipped with a motorized precision stage for up to five slides and a Charged Coupled Device (CCD) color camera.

Image acquisition by G-Sight was of high quality and the accuracy of pattern assignment was limited. There was a significant correlation between automated estimation of fluorescence intensity, known as the probability index of positivity and end-point titer. Probability index interval specific likelihood ratios for systemic rheumatic disease increased with increasing level of positivity probability. Probability indexes were higher with the transfected mitotic human epithelioid (Hep-2000) cell substrate (Immunoconcepts; Sacramento, CA, USA) than with the human epithelial cell (Hep-2) substrate. The probability indexes reached a plateau at titer 160 with the Hep-2000 substrate.

The authors concluded that G-Sight offers high quality image acquisition. The accuracy of pattern assignment is limited and needs to be further developed. There was a significant correlation between probability indexes, a measure of fluorescence intensity and antibody titer, and the probability indexes provided by G-Sight, which afforded clinically useful information. Test result specific likelihood ratios help with the interpretation of data generated by automated immunofluorescence analysis of antinuclear antibodies. The study was published on the January 16, 2013, in the journal Clinica Chimica Acta.

Related Links:
Catholic University Leuven
A. Menarini Diagnostic
Immunoconcepts



Platinum Member
Automated Coagulation Analyzer
Hemolumi H6
Gold Member
Automatic Hematology Analyzer
CF9600
New
Drug Testing Assays
Atellica DT 250 Analyzer
HPV Test
Allplex HPV28 Detection
Read the full article by registering today, it's FREE! It's Free!
Register now for FREE to LabMedica.com and get access to news and events that shape the world of Clinical Laboratory Medicine.
  • Free digital version edition of LabMedica International sent by email on regular basis
  • Free print version of LabMedica International magazine (available only outside USA and Canada).
  • Free and unlimited access to back issues of LabMedica International in digital format
  • Free LabMedica International Newsletter sent every week containing the latest news
  • Free breaking news sent via email
  • Free access to Events Calendar
  • Free access to LinkXpress new product services
  • REGISTRATION IS FREE AND EASY!
Click here to Register








Channels

Clinical Chemistry

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

Screening After Pneumococcal Disease May Reveal Undiagnosed Blood Cancer or Immune Disorders

Severe pneumococcal disease requiring hospitalization often presents as pneumonia, particularly in older adults and people with cancer or compromised immune function. Because M protein testing and antibody... Read more

Microbiology

view channel
Image Credit: 123RF

FDA-Cleared Multiplex PCR Test Detects 13 Respiratory Pathogens in a Single Sample

Respiratory tract infections can be difficult to distinguish at presentation because many cause overlapping, nonspecific symptoms and are initially grouped as influenza-like illnesses. Causes span a range... Read more

Technology

view channel
Image: The laser-based photoacoustic spectroscopy setup consists of a Mid-IR laser equipped with three QCL modules covering wavelengths from 5.6 μm to 12.9 μm, two silver coated mirrors (SCM), a dichroic mirror (DM) with a transmittance of 90%, a thermal power sensor head (PM) to monitor the output laser power, a mechanical chopper (MC) for frequency modulation and a CEPAS-detector with a self-designed swab holder (SH). (Credit: Graunke, T., Scholz, T., Pieniak, M. et al. Scientific Reports (2026). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-68298-9)

Laser-Based Swab Analysis Shows Promise for Detecting Disease-Linked Odor Patterns

Disease-related changes in volatile organic compounds can alter body odor, producing measurable patterns in exhaled breath and bodily fluids. Current analytical methods can be complex, time-consuming,... Read more

Industry

view channel
Image

Collaboration Combines AI Cognitive Assessment and RNA Blood Testing for Earlier Alzheimer’s Detection

Alzheimer’s disease is often identified only after substantial neurodegeneration, partly because current diagnostic pathways are fragmented and difficult to scale. As treatment shifts toward earlier intervention,... Read more
Copyright © 2000-2026 Globetech Media. All rights reserved.