title: Lupus band test.
abstract: The lupus band test (LBT) is a direct immunofluorescent technique for demonstrating a band of localized immunoglobulins at the dermal-epidermal junction in the skin of patients with lupus erythematosus (LE). Studies have shown immunoglobulins and complement at the  dermal-epidermal junction in systemic (involved and uninvolved skin) and in discoid (involved skin only) LE. It is essential that the appropriate skin site be selected for biopsy; ie, involved or uninvolved skin, light-exposed or light-protected skin. The proper location of the biopsy site is determined by whether the LBT is intended for diagnostic or prognostic purposes. From a diagnostic standpoint, the LBT is a very sensitive and specific test for LE. In addition, this procedure has considerable value as a prognostic test for a patient with an established diagnosis of LE.
mesh_terms: D001706:Biopsy; D003095:Collagen Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D005455:Fluorescent Antibody Technique; D006801:Humans; D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins; D008179:Lupus Erythematosus, Discoid / Q000276:immunology*; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology*; D011379:Prognosis
chemical_list: D007070:Immunoglobulin A; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D007075:Immunoglobulin M; D007136:Immunoglobulins