Anti-ds DNA, IFA in Dilutions Test
About Anti-ds DNA, IFA in Dilutions Test
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Also Known As | Anti-dsDNA Antibody Test, Anti-Double Stranded DNA Antibody Test |
| Sample Type | Venous blood (serum) |
| Fasting Required | Not required |
| Report Time | 1 to 3 working days |
| Recommended For | Adults of any gender presenting with suspected autoimmune disorders, particularly those with a positive ANA test and symptoms suggestive of lupus |
| Price | Starting at ₹3250 |
What Is an Anti-ds DNA, IFA in Dilutions Test?
The anti-ds DNA, IFA in dilutions test detects specific antibodies in your blood that mistakenly target the body's own DNA. Doctors typically order it when a patient has a positive ANA (antinuclear antibody) test result and symptoms that suggest lupus or another autoimmune condition. A small blood sample is drawn from a vein in your arm, and the serum is tested using a method called indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). It is also known as the anti-dsDNA antibody test or anti-double stranded DNA antibody test.
What Does an Anti-ds DNA, IFA in Dilutions Test Measure?
The anti-ds DNA, IFA in dilutions test detects the levels, or titres, of antinuclear antibodies in your blood using an indirect immunofluorescence assay (IFA). Here is what it tells your doctor:
| Component | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Anti-dsDNA antibodies | These are autoantibodies that target the body's own DNA inside the cell nucleus. They form when the immune system incorrectly identifies the body's DNA as a threat. A rise in anti-dsDNA antibodies can also signal a lupus flare-up, meaning a sudden worsening of disease symptoms. |
Why Is an Anti-ds DNA IFA in Dilutions Test Done?
This test is ordered when a doctor suspects an autoimmune condition, particularly systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), or needs to monitor disease activity in a patient already diagnosed with lupus.
Common Symptoms That May Require This Test
Your doctor may recommend the anti-dsDNA antibody test if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Persistent fatigue and unexplained tiredness
- Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
- A butterfly-shaped rash across the nose and cheeks
- Skin rashes that worsen with sun exposure
- Unexplained fever
- Signs of kidney problems, such as swelling or changes in urine output
- General feeling of illness without a clear cause
Conditions This Test Can Help Detect
The anti-double stranded DNA antibody test can help identify or support the diagnosis of several conditions:
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disorder where the immune system attacks healthy tissue
- Lupus nephritis, a complication of SLE that causes kidney inflammation and damage
- Other autoimmune conditions at lower antibody levels, such as Sjögren's syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD)
Anti-ds DNA, IFA in Dilutions Test for Chronic Disease Monitoring
For people already diagnosed with lupus, this test plays a useful role in tracking disease activity over time. Lupus often involves cycles of flare-ups, where symptoms worsen, followed by periods of remission. Rising anti-dsDNA antibody levels are often seen before or during these flare-ups, and persistently high levels are generally associated with increased disease activity. Doctors typically repeat this test every 3 to 6 months to monitor SLE and assess how the body is responding to therapy.
How to Prepare and What to Expect
No special preparation is needed for this test, which makes it straightforward to schedule at any time.
Do You Need to Fast?
No, fasting is not required before the anti-ds DNA, IFA in dilutions test. You may eat and drink as normal before your appointment. However, if your doctor has ordered other tests alongside this one, some of those may have fasting requirements, so do check with your healthcare provider.
Practical Tips Before Your Test
Keep the following in mind before your blood draw:
- Drink enough water beforehand to stay well hydrated
- Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, or herbal remedies you are currently taking
- Wear clothing with loose or short sleeves for easy access to your arm
- Mention your full medical history to the phlebotomist or doctor before the test
Step-by-Step Procedure
Here is what typically happens during sample collection:
- A trained phlebotomist cleans the skin on your inner arm with an antiseptic solution.
- An elastic band is placed around your upper arm to make the veins more visible.
- A small needle is used to draw blood from a vein. The elastic band is removed, and gentle pressure is applied to the puncture site.
- A small bandage is placed over the site. You may feel a brief sting, and a minor bruise may appear at the site afterwards.
- The collected blood sample is sent to the laboratory for analysis using the IFA method.
Factors That Can Affect Accuracy
Certain factors may influence your test result. Be sure to mention any of the following to your doctor:
- Corticosteroids or immunosuppressive medicines, which can reduce antibody levels
- Medications such as procainamide or hydralazine, which may cause a false positive result
- Recent viral infections, including HIV or parvovirus B19, which can temporarily produce these antibodies
- Biologic therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (such as adalimumab or infliximab), which may cause transient low-level positivity
- The stage of your disease, as early or inactive lupus may produce negative results
Understanding Your Anti-ds DNA, IFA in Dilutions Test Results
Your doctor will review your result alongside your symptoms, medical history, and other test findings. The reference interval for anti-ds DNA titre is less than 1:10.
The table below shows the interpretation of test results:
| Test Result | Interpretation |
|---|---|
| Positive Result | Presence of anti-ds DNA antibodies in the blood. A positive test indicates that the individual is more likely to have systemic lupus erythematosus. |
| Negative Result | Absence of anti-ds DNA antibodies in the blood. A negative test means that the individual is less likely to have systemic lupus erythematosus. |
These ranges are general guidelines. Your doctor will interpret your results based on your age, health history, and other factors. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalised medical advice.
Results During Special Conditions
Some conditions and treatments can affect how results are interpreted:
- Patients taking medicines such as procainamide or hydralazine, or those with chronic hepatitis, primary biliary cirrhosis, or infectious mononucleosis, may show low-level positive results even without lupus.
- People receiving anti-TNFα biological therapies for rheumatoid arthritis may develop transient, low-avidity anti-dsDNA antibodies that typically resolve after treatment.
- Viral infections such as HIV and parvovirus B19 can temporarily produce these antibodies, so recent infections are worth reporting to your doctor.
How to Maintain Healthy Levels
These tips support general wellbeing for anyone managing an autoimmune condition:
- Protect your skin from direct sunlight by wearing protective clothing and using a high-SPF sunscreen.
- Prioritise seven to nine hours of sleep each night and take steps to reduce daily stress, which may help prevent flare-ups.
- Attend all scheduled monitoring appointments and follow your doctor's guidance on lifestyle and activity.
Lupin Diagnostics Anti-ds DNA, IFA in Dilutions Test Price and Home Collection
The anti-ds DNA, IFA in dilutions test price at Lupin Diagnostics starts at approximately ₹3250, with home collection available across major cities. The table below shows indicative prices:
| City | Approximate Price (₹) |
|---|---|
| Mumbai | ₹3250 |
| Bengaluru | ₹3250 |
| Hyderabad | ₹3250 |
| Chennai | ₹3250 |
| Kolkata | ₹3250 |
| Pune | ₹3250 |
Prices are indicative and may vary by location. Please confirm the current price at the time of booking.
How to Book
Booking your test with Lupin Diagnostics is simple:
- Select the test on the Lupin Diagnostics website.
- Choose your city and preferred time slot.
- Opt for home sample collection by a certified phlebotomist, or visit your nearest Lupin Diagnostics centre.
- Receive your report via email or WhatsApp within the stipulated turnaround time.
Home Collection
Lupin Diagnostics offers home sample collection for the anti-ds DNA, IFA in dilutions test across multiple cities. A trained phlebotomist visits your home at your chosen time slot to collect the blood sample. All samples are processed in NABL-accredited laboratories, and your digital report is delivered directly to you via email or WhatsApp.
Frequently Asked Questions
The anti-ds DNA, IFA in dilutions test is used to help detect systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), a chronic autoimmune disorder. It is also used to monitor disease activity in patients already diagnosed with lupus. A positive result, in the right clinical setting, is strongly associated with SLE.
A positive result means that anti-dsDNA antibodies were detected in your blood. In the right clinical context, this is strongly suggestive of SLE. Your doctor will interpret this alongside your symptoms and other test results before reaching any conclusion.
Yes. A negative result does not rule out lupus. The test may come back negative in patients whose disease is in remission or in the early stages. Your doctor may recommend additional tests if lupus is still suspected.
Your doctor will decide the frequency based on how active your disease is. For active lupus, testing every 1 to 3 months is common. For less active disease, testing every 6 to 12 months may be sufficient.
Yes, certain medications can affect results. Corticosteroids and immunosuppressive medicines may lower antibody levels, while medicines such as procainamide and hydralazine can cause a false positive result. Always share a full list of your current medications with your doctor before testing.
No, fasting is not required. You can eat and drink as usual before having this test done. If other tests have been ordered at the same time, check with your doctor whether those have any preparation requirements.
The ANA (antinuclear antibody) test is a broader screening test that checks for antibodies targeting various parts of the cell nucleus. The anti-ds DNA, IFA in dilutions test is more specific and looks only for antibodies that target double-stranded DNA. It is typically ordered after a positive ANA result to help confirm or investigate a lupus diagnosis.
Anti-ds DNA, IFA in Dilutions Test
