Author Description

This highly practical, up-to-date book summarizes current concepts in indirect immunofluorescent antinuclear antibody (IFA-ANA) testing and discusses the clinical situations in which ANA profile determinations have proven useful in the diagnosis of connective tissue disorders. The authors present an outline of the clinical and laboratory features of common systemic rheumatic diseases and a technical section explaining IFA-ANA technique, along with examples of staining patterns commonly seen when sera are tested for antinuclear antibodies. The technical section offers a current classification of antinuclear antibodies and their spedificities, as well as antibodies directed against cytoplasmic antigens; states the principles of the ANA test and of immunofluorescence; gives practical guidance on the selection of a fluorescent microscope; provides a guide to quality assurance and proper interpretation of IFA-ANA test results; and explains the methodology and procedure of counterimmunoelectrophoresis.