SLE Latex Test Kit

Abstract

To the Editor.— Dubois and Strain (225:637, 1973) have presented interesting and useful data on the high selectivity of the Lederle Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) latex test kit (no false-positives). Their data further suggest a sensitivity of only 19% (21 out of 121 positive tests in patients with SLE). Since the preliminary criteria for the classification of SLE 1 and most other published reports 2,3 indicate lupus erythematosus (LE) cell test positivity of greater than 70% in SLE and Dubois and Strain report only 38.8% (rotary LE cell test), one must inquire whether similar populations are being measured. Do the patients described meet the preliminary criteria for the classification of systemic lupus erythematosus? What is the sensitivity and selectivity of the Lederle test in patient groups with high incidence of positive LE cell tests? Until these questions are answered, the data of Dubois and Strain should not be accepted without