AUTOIMMUNE Flashcards
What is an autoimmune disease?
A condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the body’s own tissues.
What factors can trigger autoimmune diseases?
Microorganisms (bacteria or viruses), drugs, environmental exposure, hormonal changes.
What are systemic autoimmune diseases?
Autoimmune diseases affecting multiple organs, such as SLE and RA.
What is systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)?
A chronic autoimmune disease that affects multiple organs including the skin, joints, kidneys, and brain.
What is the primary serologic test for SLE?
Antinuclear antibody (ANA) test.
What is the principle of the SLE latex slide test?
A latex agglutination test where latex particles coated with antigens react with specific antibodies in serum.
What antibodies are detected in the SLE latex slide test?
Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) such as anti-DNA and anti-deoxyribonucleoprotein.
What is a positive result in the SLE latex slide test?
Fine, granular aggregates indicate a positive result.
What is rheumatoid arthritis (RA)?
A chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease that primarily affects the joints.
What is the main serologic test for rheumatoid arthritis?
Rheumatoid factor (RF) test.
What is rheumatoid factor (RF)?
An autoantibody directed against the Fc portion of IgG, commonly found in RA patients.
What is the principle of the RF latex slide test?
A latex agglutination test where RF antibodies in serum react with IgG-coated latex particles.
What is a positive result in the RF latex slide test?
Presence of granular aggregates indicates a positive result.
What are the common symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis?
Joint pain, stiffness, swelling, morning stiffness, and joint deformities.
How is the CRP test performed?
By mixing serum with latex reagent and observing for visible agglutination.
What is the principle of the CRP latex slide test?
Latex particles coated with anti-CRP antibodies react with CRP in the patient’s serum, forming visible aggregates.
What does a positive CRP test indicate?
Indicates acute inflammation, bacterial infections, or autoimmune disease activity.
What are the two types of CRP tests?
Standard CRP test and high-sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) test.
What is the role of CRP in inflammation?
CRP is an acute-phase reactant that increases in response to inflammation and infection.
What are the common materials needed for the SLE latex slide test?
Glass slides, plastic droppers, glycine saline buffer, SLE latex reagent.
How is the RF latex slide test performed?
Mix patient serum with RF latex reagent on a slide and observe for agglutination.
What are the expected results of an RF latex slide test?
A positive test shows granular aggregates, while a negative test shows a smooth suspension.
What is the specimen used for the SLE, RF, and CRP tests?
Serum.
What precautions should be taken when performing autoimmune serologic tests?
Allow reagents to reach room temperature, avoid contamination, and use proper controls.
How should the results of autoimmune serologic tests be reported?
Results should be reported as positive (agglutination observed) or negative (no agglutination).
