At a Glance Why Get Tested? To help diagnose and monitor
systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) When to Get Tested? A blood
sample drawn from a vein in your arm Test Preparation Needed?
The Test Sample What is being tested? This test measures the
amount of antibody to double-stranded deoxyribonucleic acid
(anti-dsDNA) that may be present in the blood. Anti-dsDNA is an
autoantibody, produced when a person's immune system fails to
distinguish between "self" and "non-self" cellular components.
It mistakenly targets and attacks the body's own genetic
material, causing inflammation, tissue damage, and other signs
and symptoms that are associated with an autoimmune disorder.
Anti-dsDNA is one of several antinuclear antibodies (ANA), a
group of antibodies directed against substances found in the
nucleus of cells. While it may be present at a low level with a
number of disorders, anti-dsDNA is primarily associated with the
autoimmune disorder systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or Lupus).
SLE can affect the kidneys, joints