Abstract
Serum anti-Ro60 is one the most frequently encountered autoantibodies in the diagnostic immunopathology laboratory and in clinical practice. A large variety of assays are available to detect this including the popular multiplex line immunoblot (IB) assay. We evaluated the analytical performance of the IB for anti-Ro60 detection, using the counterimmunoelectrophoresis (CIEP) method as the 'gold standard'. We also undertook a survey of international laboratories, who use the IB, about their reporting practices for anti-Ro60. Using the manufacturer's reported cut-off of 15 units, the IB has an analytical sensitivity of 90.9% and specificity of 99.3% for anti-Ro60 detection. The optimal cut-off to balance sensitivity and specificity was determined to be 5 units with a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 97.4%. Most laboratories use the manufacturer's specified cut-off (15 units) when determining a positive anti-Ro60 result. Whilst the commercial IB generally performs well, laboratorians need to be mindful of the limitations of IB in detecting antibodies that recognise conformational epitopes and what cut-offs they use. A vast majority of laboratories could potentially miss detection of this clinically important autoantibody.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
