Abstract
Abstract Context.—Because of a marked increase in the number of requests for antinuclear antibodies, anti–extractable nuclear antigen antibodies, and anti–double-stranded DNA antibodies for the diagnosis of autoimmune rheumatic disease, guidelines have been proposed for their appropriate use. Objective.—To evaluate in terms of clinical efficacy and cost-benefit ratio the outcome of applying a protocol for the diagnosis of autoimmune rheumatic disease. Design.—A diagnostic protocol for the rational utilization of second-level tests (anti–extractable nuclear antigen antibodies and anti–double-stranded DNA antibodies) was applied at Hospital Polyclinic beginning January 2004. The appropriateness of 685 consecutive requests received at the clinical pathology laboratory from January to June 2004 was assessed. Patients who underwent these laboratory tests were followed up for 12 months after blood sample drawing. Results.—Introduction of the protocol led to a significant reduction in the number of second-level ...
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