ANA testing

[Kathryn S. Black]

I would be interested in any information anyone could pass along concerning
methods for ANA testing in clinical laboratories.  In my 300-bed community
hospital, we have used the indirect fluorescent assay using HEp-2 cells for
many years.  However, the subjective nature of the reading of the test and
the lack of specificity are problems.  I have been looking at EIA testing
but find that not all autoantibodies are picked up by this method.  I've
seen suggestions that the fluorescent method be used as a screen with follow-
up of positives by EIA.  I'm interested to know if this is the routine used by
most facilities.  Naturally, keeping costs to a minimum is of importance.

Thanks in advance for any information.
-- 
**********************************************************************
Kate Black   ksblack at detroit.freenet.org  rcblack at oeonline.com