Lab Information Manual

Laboratory:

Clinical Immunology

Test Name:

DOUBLE STRANDED DNA ANTIBODY (dsDNA) - (S)

Test Code: DNA (NEW METHOD EFFECTIVE 2026-02-10)

Clinical Information:

Alternate Name(s):
Anti-DNA
Anti-ds (Anti-Double Stranded) DNA
ANTI-dsDNA ANTIBODY, IgG
Antibody to ds-DNA
Antibody to Native DNA (n-DNA)
DNA Double Stranded (ds-DNA) Antibody
DNA, Anti
Double Stranded DNA
ds-DNA Antibody
IgG Anti-DS DNA Antibody
IgG Autoantibodies to Double Stranded (ds)DNA
Native Anti-DNA
Native DNA

Test Indications:

The dsDNA test is used in conjunction with other clinical and laboratory data as an aid in the evaluation of systemic rheumatic autoimmune diseases. It should not be ordered as a routine screen with ANA but as a secondary screening for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) based on ANA results.

dsDNA is automatically reflexed for Homogeneous and Speckled ANA patterns with titres ≥160.

dsDNA can also be orderable as a stand-alone test for monitoring SLE disease activity. Increasing antibody levels may be associated with flares while decline or negative results may indicate response to treatment or disease remission.

Collection Devices:

Preferred Device:

1 - Serum Separator (SST) Tube(s) - Full Tube Collection

Specimen Required:

Serum: 1.0 mL

Referral:

Serum: 1.0 mL

Shipping & Storage: Separate serum and ship refrigerated, or frozen if greater than 7 days from time of collection.

Testing Laboratory (MB): St. Boniface Hospital Immunology Laboratory

Requisition:

_SH Immunology Autoimmune Laboratory Requisition (R250-10-85)

Reference Values:

Reference Intervals: 0.0 – 9.9 IU/ml
A negative result does not necessarily exclude autoimmune disease. Positive results should not be interpreted in isolation and must be correlated with relevant clinical findings.

Method of Analysis: The IDS dsDNA IgG assay is based on chemiluminescence technology. Patient serum is incubated with magnetic particles coated with the specific antigen. Following the washing step after the first incubation, an anti-human IgG antibody labelled with acridinium is added, followed by a subsequent incubation step. The magnetic particles are captured using a magnet and a wash step performed to remove any unbound analyte. Trigger reagents are added; the resulting light emitted by the acridinium label is directly proportional to the concentration of anti-dsDNA IgG in the sample.

Reference: IDS dsDNA IgG Instructions for Use, IS-AI1101 V10, 20-11-2025

Availability:

Weekdays

TAT: 3-5 days