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Updated: Oct 29, 2025
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Anti-Nuclear Antibody Screening Using HEp-2 Cells
Published on: June 23, 2014
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[International Consensus on Antinuclear Antibody Patterns in Portugal]
Maria José Sousa1, Esmeralda Neves2, Otília Figueiras2
1Departamento de Imunopatologia e Autoimunidade. Centro de Medicina Laboratorial Germano de Sousa. Lisboa. Departamento de Medicina. Faculdade Ciências Médicas/ Nova Medical School. Lisboa. Portugal.
Acta Medica Portuguesa
|July 13, 2021
Summary
Portugal established a consensus on antinuclear antibody (ANA) patterns, improving diagnostic accuracy for autoimmune diseases. This harmonization effort ensures consistent reporting of indirect immunofluorescence test results, benefiting patient care.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Medical Diagnostics
Background:
- Indirect immunofluorescence on HEp-2 cells is the gold standard for diagnosing systemic autoimmune diseases.
- The International Consensus on ANA Patterns (ICAP) aims to standardize antinuclear antibody (ANA) pattern nomenclature.
- Harmonizing ANA pattern nomenclature is crucial for improving diagnostic quality in autoimmune rheumatic diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish a consensus on ANA pattern nomenclature in Portugal, building upon the ICAP project.
- To harmonize autoimmune diagnosis and promote diagnostic quality for systemic rheumatic diseases within Portugal.
Main Methods:
- Laboratories identified and matched ICAP pattern designations with Portuguese nomenclature.
- Results were aggregated to form a foundation for nomenclature harmonization.
- Iterative consensus meetings were conducted to draft a final consensual proposal.
Main Results:
- Over 75% prior agreement was achieved for 23 out of 29 anti-cell patterns.
- Laboratory alignment with ICAP international references ranged from 22.1% to 100%.
- A consensual version of the ICAP nomenclature for Portugal was successfully drafted.
Conclusions:
- A solid consensus basis exists for ANA pattern nomenclature, despite translation differences.
- Collaboration among laboratories is essential for unambiguous laboratory result descriptions.
- There is significant potential for inter-laboratory collaboration to enhance diagnosis and patient follow-up.
