Anti-nuclear Antibody
Instructor:
Kathleen W. Hutchinson, MS, MT(ASCP); Mark H. Wener, MD; Bruce G. Gilliland, MD; Michael L. Astion, MD, PhD
Contact Hours:
2.0
Date:
January 01, 2024 - December 31, 2025
Description:
Testing for anti-nuclear antibodies on HEp-2 cells.
Learning Objectives:
- Identify the steps of an indirect immunofluorescence antibody (IFA) procedure and state the purpose of each step.
- Identify the steps of an enzyme immunoassay (EIA) procedure and state the purpose of each step.
- Describe the function of various components of an epifluorescence microscope and how they influence IFA staining.
- State the role of ANA testing in the diagnosis of autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
- View HEp-2 IFA results and determine whether they should be called ANA positive or negative in comparison to an endpoint control.
- Identify the correct ANA titer when presented with a series of images.
- Identify interphase (resting) and mitotic (dividing) HEp-2 cells.
- Identify the ICAP organization and the basis for their pattern nomenclature.
- Identify ANA staining patterns on HEp-2 cells.
- Identify mixed ANA patterns.
- Identify cytoplasmic staining patterns on HEp-2 substrate.
- Identify artifacts on HEp-
- Identify positive results of IFA testing on Crithidia luciliae; state the antibody being tested, and the clinical utility of a positive result.
- List the specific autoantibodies that are commonly associated with a positive ANA.
- State the meaning of the term ENA and identify the antigens that are considered to be "ENAs".