Practice parameter--the lupus erythematosus cell test. An obsolete test now superseded by definitive immunologic tests.
The lupus erythematosus (LE) cell test (synonyms: LE prep, LE phenomenon; CPT No. 85544, LE Cell Prep) is a diagnostic test for systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) that is based on an in vitro immunologic reaction between the patient's autoantibodies to nuclear antigens and damaged nuclei in the testing medium. It is subject to numerous experimental variables and dependent on subjective interpretation. It should be abandoned in favor of more definitive, quantitative immunologic tests for this condition.
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Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Jefferson Medical College of Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
D003581:Cytodiagnosis / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D007159:Immunologic Tests; D008180:Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology